The 2001 Area Classification of Super Output areas and Data zones is used to group together geographic areas according to key characteristics common to the population in that grouping. These groupings are called clusters, and are derived using 2001 population census data. This is a new classification produced using the same statistical methodology as the Output Area classification.

Maps View interactive map of the SOA/DZ classification The maps have been funded with support from an ESRC Business Engagement Grant and the National Centre for e-Social Science (NCeSS) at University College London (UCL). Specific thanks should go to Dr Maurizio Gibin and Dr Alex Singleton who have created this resource, both of whom are members from the Department of Geography and Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis at UCL.

Datasets showing classification allocations is available to download.

07/04/2008 - Correction: The Multicultural groups and sub groups were incorrectly labelled in the Datasets released on 6th March. These have now been corrected. The previous data is available on request by emailing better.info@ons.gsi.gov.uk

Variable selection shows which variables were used to create the output area classification.

Centroid information which shows how closely each Super Output Area or Data zone relates to its classification.

07/04/2008 - Correction: The Multicultural groups and sub groups were incorrectly labelled in the Centroids released on 6th March. These have now been corrected. The previous data is available on request by emailing better.info@ons.gsi.gov.uk

Methodology paper which shows the methods and variables used to create the output area classification. This document also contains cluster summaries which describe the main characteristics of each cluster, and present results in a radar chart.

Guidance on using this classification and how it compares with other small area classifications is available for download.

The output area classification covers 32482 lower layer super output areas in England, 1896 lower layer super output areas in Wales, 6505 data zones in Scotland and 890 super output areas in Northern Ireland.

This page last revised: Monday, 7 April 2008