Population

The Small Isles School children in 1892. This single school had more children than the entire school population of present day Jura in 2004.

The resident population now stands at approximately 170, which will be the lowest level possibly ever. In 1971 there were 232 persons.  Numbers have been declining for over a hundred years but there has been a sharp fall in the last few decades. This is due to the passing on of elder residents along with the emigration of families with children. Immigration is often single persons or couples whose family has already left home. At present 38 of the population are 17 years and younger. The largest adult age group is the 45-55 ranges, which gives stability to the work place and encourages social events. Regretfully demographic studies indicate that the number of children born of island parents will reduce dramatically in coming years. True unemployment is low, however many of these employed are in low-income work. Many have a full and part time job to supplement their income, others have a full time job but also run their own business. Recently several properties have come on the market but Jura has not been immune to the increasing house prices found elsewhere. This does mean it is difficult for locals to buy. There is a shortage of rented accommodation at present. However several of those in such properties are building new homes on their new crofts (farms). This may in the mid-term alleviate the rented accommodation problem.  Of the 88 employed people on the island, at least four commute to the neighbouring island of Islay to work.