ABSTRACT

Geodemographic classifications provide summary indicators of the social, economic, demographic and built characteristics of small areas. The 2011 Area Classification for Output Areas (2011 OAC) is the most recent example of a free and open UK-wide geodemographic classification constructed using census data outputs, and provides an update to the successful 2001 OAC methodology. In comparison to the 2001 OAC, the methodological advancements of the 2011 OAC focused on testing an enhanced range of data manipulation methods prior to clustering; and the use of open source software, with the majority of operations performed in the statistical programming language R. All of the code was subsequently made freely available online. This methodological approach was guided based on engagement with users, including a stakeholder consultation exercise, carried out at University College London in collaboration with the Office for National Statistics. The results from this exercise helped to inform what the key user needs and priorities for an updated classification were, underpinning the entire creation process. The final 2011 OAC consisted of a three-tiered hierarchy, with the UK population being divided into one of eight Supergroups, 26 Groups, and 76 Subgroups.