This release provides the first cross tabulations of two or more topics from the census for Output Areas (OAs).The OA is the lowest geographical level at which census estimates are provided and Local Characteristics tables give the greatest level of detail possible for local areas. The tables in this release focus on Ethnicity, Identity, Language and Religion.

These tables build on the release published on 12 July 2013 of Ethnicity, Identity Language and Religion Detailed Characteristics for Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs) and for 2011 Census Merged Wards. Due to the level of detail included in Local Characteristics tables, and the lower level of geography, in order to prevent disclosure of individuals’ information some classifications have been collapsed. As far as possible comparability with Detailed Characteristics tables has been retained.

Analysis of the topics in this release was included in previous releases in a series of short stories focusing on migration, religion and health.

Interactive maps and data visualisation of these topics, including comparison between 2001 and 2011, have also accompanied previous releases for local authorities and Super Output Areas.

More information about OAs and other geographic areas is available from ONS Geography.

All 21 Local Characteristics tables are available from the Nomis website. Each table can be accessed directly using the links in the reference table (31 Kb Excel sheet) . The tables are also available for a range of other geographies, including health administration areas, wards, parishes and parliamentary constituencies. The estimates for these additional geographies are best-fitted from output areas in line with the Geography Policy for National Statistics.

In addition one new Detailed Characteristics table that gives estimates of country of birth by national identity is also included.

Detailed Characteristics tables from previous releases are also available from the Nomis website.

During 2013, and through to the beginning of 2014, ONS will release further Local Characteristics tables for OAs and further statistics for MSOAs and Census Merged Wards. These will continue to provide an even richer and more valuable data source for the many users of the census.

Further information about the census estimates, including details about the methodology used and information about how other population sub-groups are counted and defined, is available in the in the 2011 Census user guide.

Further information on the fitness for purpose of the statistics in this release can be found in the Quality and Methodology Information (157.6 Kb Pdf) paper.

1: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/detailed-characteristics-for-2011-census-merged-wards-and-middle-layer-super-output-areas-in-england-and-wales/index.html “Detailed Characteristics for 2011 Census merged wards and middle layer super output areas in England and Wales