Area Classifications

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Area Classifications

Area Classifications are produced for different geographies and are used to group together areas with similare characteristics. These groupings are called clusters, and are derived using census data.

The classifications are used by government departments and academics for analysis and comparison, and can also be used by members of the public and school pupils for finding out about the area where they live and how this compares with the rest of the country.

2011 Area Classifications

An external partner, University College London has produced an updated 2011 Census Output Area Classification for the UK on behalf of ONS, using 2011 Census data.

Following this release, ONS is now looking to update the current 2001 Census-based UK area classifications for super output areas/data zones, local authorities, and health areas using 2011 Census data. Consideration will also be given to updating the previous ward area classification.

As part of the methodology review for a new output area classification, thought will be given to periodically updating the 2011 Census based area classifications in the future using non-census data sources.

2001 Area Classifications

The 2001 Area Classifications for Local Authorities was updated in March 2010 to take account of the unitary authorities created in April 2009. Details can be found in the March 2010 Area Classifications Update.

Clusters, Supergroups and Subgroups

For each of the area classifications the clusters are split into the six main census dimensions: demographic, household composition, housing, socio-economic, employment and industry sector. Graphs characterising these areas are available at three levels of hierarchy: 'supergroups', 'groups' and 'subgroups'. An example of a supergroup with the 2001 Area Classifications for Local Authorities is 'Cities and Services'; there are three groups in this supergroup: 'Regional Centres'. 'Centres with Industry' and 'Thriving London Periphery'. These groups are further split into more specific subgroups.

Supergroups, groups and subgroups each have a set of cluster summaries. These present the main characteristics of each cluster in text and on a 'radar plot'. A radar plot looks like a wheel with 42 spokes. Each spoke of the wheel represents a 'variable' - a characteristic of the population. Points are plotted to indicate values for each variable relative to the mean of the population.

For more information on the hierarchy of groupings, and developments affecting Area Classifications, please see the Area Classifications area of the ONS website.

The Area Classifications are available for the following geographies:

For more information regarding the Area Classifications, please email areaclassifications@ons.gsi.gov.uk

The Area Classifications are based on 2003 boundaries.