The 2001 Area Classification of statistical wards 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 principles but a different statistical methodology from that used to produce the Local Authority classification.

Maps View interactive maps (after downloading a free SVG viewer), or download PDF files showing static maps.

Datasets are available to download if you prefer to work with the data.

Cluster summaries are available to download. These describe the main characteristics of each cluster, and present results in a radar chart.

Variable selection shows which variables were used to create the ward level classification.

Methodology shows the methods and variables used to create the ward level classification.

The ward level classification covers the 8800 statistical wards in England and Wales, 1176 statistical wards in Scotland and 577 statistical wards in Northern Ireland. A statistical ward is a ward where the minimum population is 1000 people. Wards with a population of fewer than 1000 people were merged with a neighbouring ward to obtain the statistical wards. More about merging Census Area Statistics Wards.

This page last revised: Wednesday, 9 June 2004