The report warned there were implications for public services, including health and the care sector.
It also said some of the communities most affected by the loss of population were those with a high prevalence of Gaelic medium communication.
Council officials said efforts being made to address depopulation and increase job opportunities.
They include the proposed Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, and Fort William 2040 Masterplan – a project to regenerate the Lochaber town.
Officials also said ports at Kishorn, Wick and Scrabster were also busy with work related to offshore energy, decommissioning and fish farming.
The report has asked councillors to consider what other “radical solutions” could be explored.
