2021 residential-based area classification for Output Areas

An interim Output Area classification for England and Wales has been produced as a collaboration between the ONS and University College London.

This classification identified areas of the country with similar characteristics. A UK classification, keeping the same supergroups, groups and subgroups is planned which will include 2021 Census data for Northern Ireland and 2022 Census data for Scotland.

2011 residential-based area classifications

Area classifications for Great Britain have been produced after every census since 1971 and as of the 2001 Census, they have been extended to cover the whole UK.

Using socio-economic and demographic data from each census, they aim to identify areas of the country with similar characteristics.

This information is useful to many groups, including government departments, local authorities, health authorities and academics.

Possible applications include demonstrating broad geographic patterns, categorising data for further analysis, identifying similar areas for comparative studies and providing information for marketing purposes.

2011 workplace-based area classification

This information is useful to many groups, including government departments, local authorities, health authorities and academics.

Possible applications include demonstrating broad geographic patterns, categorising data for further analysis, identifying similar areas for comparative studies and providing information for marketing purposes.