FOI REF: FOI-2023-1131
You asked
Is it possible to view the population for each postcode in England and Wales from the Census 2021 data? I'm aware that the census 2011 has the KS101EW table, but I cant find a similar one on the Nomis website for 2021 census.
We said
Thank you for your freedom of information request.
We understand you are looking to obtain a 2021 version of the table KS101EW, showing postcode data for England and Wales.
Census 2021 population data for postal geographies is not yet available. When available, detailed Census data will be released down to Postcode Sector level, as in KS101EW for 2011.
As such, information for 2021 Census requested is exempt under Section 22(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, whereby information is exempt from release if there is a view to publish the information in the future. As a central government department and producer of official statistics, we need to have the freedom to be able to determine our own publication timetables. This is to allow us to deal with the necessary preparation, administration and context of publications. It would be unreasonable to consider disclosure when to do so would undermine our functions.
This exemption is subject to a public interest test. We recognise the desirability of information being freely available and this is considered by ONS when publication schedules are set in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics. The need for timely data must be balanced against the practicalities of applying statistical skill and judgement to produce the high quality, assured data needed to inform decision-making. If this balance is incorrectly applied, then we run the risk of decisions being based on inaccurate data which is arguably not in the public interest. This will have an impact on public trust in official statistics in a time when accuracy of official statistics is more important to the public than ever before.
In case it is of interest, please see the following information regarding the postcode statistics we produce.
Postcodes are structured hierarchically, supporting four levels of geographic unit. For example:
- PO Postcode Area of which there are 124;
- PO15 Postcode District of which there are 3,118;
- PO15 5 Postcode Sector of which there are 12,446
There are currently approximately 1.77 million (live) Unit Postcodes (e.g. PO15 5RR)
The most up to date population data for unit postcodes is from the 2011 Census:
https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/census/2011/postcode_headcounts_and_household_estimates
This release contains 2011 Census estimates of usual residents broken down by sex and an estimate of the number of households with one or more usual residents - for unit postcodes in England and Wales.
The postcode headcount datasets are supplied in CSV format. The two datasets have been split into four files each to make manipulation of the data easier.
Census 2021 headcounts are expected to be released as part of Phase 3 (summer 2023).
If you have any queries about the data provided, please contact Census.customerservices@ons.gov.uk, who would be happy to advise.