How our census works

Find out about the project to plan and run the decennial census in England and Wales.

  • About censuses

    A census is a count of people and households, and is used to set policies and estimate resources required to provide services for the population.

  • How we planned the 2011 Census

    Summary overview of the core elements of the 2011 Census: questionnaire post out, address register, online submission, topics covered by questions, publicity, questionnaire tracking and follow-up.

  • Design for the 2011 Census

    Understand the differences between the designs for the 2001 and 2011 censuses, and how the Office for National Statistics arrived at the design for 2011.

  • How we took the 2011 Census

    The 2011 Census of England and Wales employed new approaches to improve census return rates in all areas and with all population groups.

  • How did we do in 2011?

    The report summarises the entire census operation spanning ten years, from the early consultation, legislation and planning stages, through the field activities and data processing.

This section summarises the activities involved in the research and planning, and the vast mobilisation of resources, required to run a census.