Bathesda is notorious for creating, in my opinion, drastically small populations, with the exception of Morrowind. So I was a bit surprised that the southern half of Solstheim wasn't more populated. It was my impression that the reason the high king of Skyrim had given Solstheim to the Dunmer, was because they had so many refugees. If almost the entire population of Dunmer has been relocated to the northern tips of Morrowind, Blacklight, and its colonies as well as other provinces, I would assume that the entire southern half of Solstheim would be colonized. A handful of Dunmer in two small outposts does not give the impression of a people fighting for a new place to live. In fact the situation in Windhelm would have us believe that there is just so little space for the Dunmer people, that they literally have no where else to go. So now we have an island the entire Dunmer population of Windhelm could easily settle and escape prejudice, and it really makes no sense. A poor judgement call on Bethesda's part in my opinion, and a project for modders I hope.

Agreed. I'm personally adding few more generic npc's with jobs and a couple more homes to Raven Rock my game..

Though it's worth noting that many Dunmer did return to the mainland later, Specially Blacklight which sounds to be prosperous according to some NPCs.. So the population in Solstheim has probably dwindled in later years

Ya I assumed some would try to relocate back to the mainland, but there isn't even signs of abandoned Dwemer towns or homes, not even in Raven Rock. There is some abandoned Nord and Imperial buildings, but thats more due to EEC leaving. I was really hoping for at least two or three decent sized settlements, explaining why Skyrim would give up so much landmass that isn't even being utilized by the Dunmer.

This is my only disappointment with Dragonborn. I wish there was more life and less dead land. Oooo ash everywhere let's throw a few crickets and ash spawns in... kind of gets old.