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A suite of area classifications covering the UK produced for different geographies based on 2021 and 2022 Census data.
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A suite of residential-based area classifications covering the UK, produced for different geographies based on 2011 Census data.
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The Classification of Workplace Zones – UK (COWZ-UK) is a UK workplace-based area classification.
2021 and 2022 residential-based area classifications
This classification identified areas of the country with similar characteristics based on 2021 and 2022 census data. They cover:
Output Areas -- Output Areas (OA) in England, Wales and Scotland and Data Zones (DZ) in Northern Ireland
Super Output Areas - Lower layer Super Output Areas (LSOA) in England and Wales, Data Zones (DZ) in Scotland and Super Data Zones (SDZ) in Northern Ireland
Local Authority Districts - Lower-Tier Local Authorities (LTLAs) in England and Wales, Council Areas (CA) in Scotland and Local Government Districts (LGD) in Northern Ireland.
The Super Output area classification is based on the supergroups, groups and subgroups produced for the Output area classification. Hence, the codes and names apply to both classifications. These classifications were produced collaboration between the ONS and University College London.
The analysis for 2021 and 2022 Local Authority District area classification was conducted independently to the other analyses, producing a separate classification and pen portraits.
Note: An interim Output area classification for England and Wales was produced as a collaboration between the ONS and University College London. This has now been superseded by the 2021 and 2022 residential-based area classifications (UK).
2011 residential-based area classifications
The 2011 area classifications cover Output Areas, Super Output Areas (Lower Layer Super Output Areas in England and Wales, Data Zones in Scotland and Super Output Areas in Northern Ireland), Local Authority Districts and Health Areas.
The 2011 area classifications reflect 2011 Census geographies.
The classification for each geography is separate, with the exception of the Health area classification, which is based instead on the supergroups, groups and subgroups produced for the Local Authority District 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.
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.
2001 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.
2001 Output Area classification memberships (data on GeoDS website)
2001 area classifications (archived pages)