Is Glasgow the UK's Third Largest City? Yes, According to 2023 ONS Data

Yes. As of the 2023 Office for National Statistics (ONS) mid-year estimates, Glasgow has a population of approximately 636,520, making it:

• The **largest city in Scotland** (ahead of Edinburgh ~525,000).
• The **third largest city in the United Kingdom**, behind only London (~8.9M) and Birmingham (~1.1M).

Important Context: "City" vs. "Urban Area" vs. "Metro Area"

• City Proper (Local Authority): Glasgow City Council area = ~636k (3rd UK).
• Built-up Urban Area (ONS 2021 Census): Glasgow ~1.0M (3rd UK after London ~9.8M, Manchester ~2.8M; Birmingham ~2.6M).
• Metropolitan Area (Travel-to-Work): Glasgow City Region ~1.8M (3rd/4th UK).

The "3rd largest city" claim usually refers to the **City Proper / Local Authority** definition, where Glasgow's tight administrative boundaries (unlike Birmingham's or Leeds's expansive ones) still place it firmly in third. It remains Scotland's undisputed commercial, cultural, and population capital.