Official Statistics

2011 Rural Urban Classification

2011 Rural Urban Classification.

Applies to England

Documents

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

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2011 Rural Urban Classification - User Guide

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2011 Rural Urban Classification - Methodology

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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

Additional information:

Defra statistics: rural

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Updates to this page

Published 13 September 2013
Last updated 26 August 2021 + show all updates
  1. Addition of 2011 Rural Urban Classification summary leaflet

  2. Rural Urban Classification 2011 maps added.

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

  4. First published.

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