The 2001 Census was a survey of everyone in the country. See brief information on how the Census was taken. The results are a unique picture of the population, and they are freely available for all to use. This section will help you understand the key characteristics of Census results.
A rich source
The Census collected information about people, households and their housing. See the 2001 Census form, and the topics covered in the findings.
The information from the forms was processed to produce a database from which results are drawn - information about identifiable individuals is never released. They are presented either as simple counts, such as the number of young children, or as figures which relate one topic to another, such as the number of children in one parent families. The linking of topics is one of the most valuable features of a Census.
Most figures are about the people who live in an area, but others are about people who work in an area or about migrants from an area.
Consistent and comparable
The figures are set out so that it is easy to compare one area with another, or with regional or national values. There are summary figures for quick reference, as well as the full results for deeper analysis. Those for small areas are less detailed, but figures are comparable up the geographical scale.
Neighbourhood to national
Figures are available for a range of areas. The most local are Output Areas, each with around 125 households, which build to larger areas - such as parishes, wards, local and health authorities, constituencies, and towns and cities. Boundaries overlaid on Ordnance Survey maps are viewable on-line to help pinpoint an area and the figures for it.
100 per cent estimates
The results represent 100 per cent of the population as it was on Census day 2001. But they are estimates. This is because some people were missed by the Census and not everyone answered every question. The missing information had to be imputed on the basis of evidence from people and households of similar types.
The outcome is generally accurate, but does vary by area and topic. Too much should not be deduced from very small numbers, or where local knowledge indicates that there may have been significant change since 2001, although the characteristics of areas tend to persist even when people move in and out.
A choice of media, much accessible online
Census results are available on a range of media. All important figures, in summary or in full, are online to view or download. A selection is in printed reports. CDs and DVDs are used for the supply of large files, particularly for users who want to carry out deeper analysis in their own systems. There are generally no charges, and very few conditions of use.
These icons are used throughout this site:
Online
Simply follow the links to view or download
On CD
Either for quick referenceor for further analysis, including software for viewing and manipulation, or without software, for users' own systems
On DVD
Either for quick reference or for further analysis, including software for viewing and manipulation, or without software, for users' own systems
In print
With a cover charge, often including CDs with supplementary results and software to view and manipulate.
Help desk
Help on any aspect of the Census and its results is available to all from Census Customer Services.
The information in this section is generalised, and is not intended to be definitive. Please use other sections of this site if you need definitive information.
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