Official Statistics

2011 Rural Urban Classification

2011 Rural Urban Classification.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 13 September 2013
• Last updated: 26 August 2021 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Rural Urban Classification leaflet: The 2011 Rural-Urban Classification for Output Areas in England

PDF, 656 KB, 2 pages

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2011 Rural Urban Classification - User Guide

PDF, 805 KB, 22 pages

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2011 Rural Urban Classification - Methodology

PDF, 3.83 MB, 36 pages

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Details

The Rural Urban Classification is an Official Statistic and is used to distinguish rural and urban areas. The Classification defines areas as rural if they fall outside of settlements with more than 10,000 resident population.

Wherever possible the Rural Urban Classification should be used for statistical analysis.

When data are not available at a small enough geographical scale, it may be possible to apply the Rural Urban Local Authority Classification. This classification currently categorises districts and unitary authorities on a six point scale from rural to urban. It is underpinned by rural and urban populations as defined by the Classification.

Rural urban classification lookup tables are available for all small area geographies, local authority districts, and other higher level geographies.

Rural Urban Classification 2011 maps

• Rural Urban Classification (2011) map of Output Areas at regional level

• Rural Urban Classification (2011) map of Lower Super Output Areas at regional level

• Rural Urban Classification (2011) map of Medium Super Output Areas at regional level

• Rural Urban Classification (2011) map of Local Authority Districts in England

Additional information:

• 2011 rural urban classification for Local Authorities

Defra statistics: rural

Email rural.statistics@defra.gov.uk

You can also contact us via Twitter: https://twitter.com/DefraStats

Published 13 September 2013
Last updated 26 August 2021 + show all updates

1. 26 August 2021

   Addition of 2011 Rural Urban Classification summary leaflet

2. 7 November 2017

   Rural Urban Classification 2011 maps added.

3. 21 July 2016

   We’ve changed how we’ve organised rural statistics and updated the content following Lord Cameron’s review of rural proofing.

4. 13 September 2013

   First published.