This is a guide for new users of the 1981 and 1991 Census results available through Nomis. Those already familiar with using this data may prefer to go direct to the Nomis website.

View results on Nomis

Results from the 1981 and 1991 Censuses, are available through Nomis (National Online Manpower Information System). Wizard options are available to assist new users. Email and telephone help lines are provided by Nomis, and you may also wish to contact Census Customer Services who provide support to Census users of Nomis.

To access 1981 and 1991 results, go to the Nomis home page www.nomisweb.co.uk and select the Wizard option in the Detailed Statistics section (directly above the Census 2001 section).

Using the Wizard
The Wizard provides guidance in choosing datasets and areas, but you will first need to click on the "Theme" option that appears at the top of the page when the Wizard is selected. You can then start your query by choosing "Census of Population" from the list of datasets.

The advanced option
Selection of the advanced option takes you directly to the list of datasets that includes "Census of Population". This option provides less guidance for beginners in the later stages of your query, but there is guidance in downloading data and you will be offered access to user forums. Once you have used Nomis you can take advantage of the advanced options to save your query, look at datasets you have recently used, and review queries that you have saved in earlier sessions. (Whilst the advanced option allows you to select data by geographic type, the new Census user is advised to choose the "Census of Population" option offered on the default page "by theme").

Extracting data
Selection of "Census of Population" results in a set of pages inviting you to choose a "cell" and a "geography". You can start with either, but you must specify both to get data. The wizard will offer you the cell option first and, once these are selected, will prompt you to choose a geography.

When you choose "cell", drill down the expanding lists of tables until you find the one you need and then select which cells you want by clicking on the table layout provided. (Using the Advanced route you can use the "back to table list" option to go back and choose another table instead, or choose "new dataset" to start from the "Census of Population option again. Having selected the cells you want you can review or update your choice using "review selections").

Selecting the "geography" option allows you to search by place name or choose from lists of areas.

You will then be prompted to select "extract data" to view or download your results in a selection of formats.

This page last revised: 01 November 2005