Creating the 2011 area classification for output areas (2011 OAC)

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology that has been used to create the 2011 Area Classification for Output Areas (2011 OAC). This extends a lineage of widely used public domain census only geodemographic classifications in the UK. It provides an update to the successful 2001 OAC methodology, and summarizes the social and physical structure of neighbourhoods using data from the 2011 UK Census. We also present the results of a user engagement exercise that underpinned the creation of an updated methodology for the 2011 OAC. The 2011 OAC comprises 8 Supergroups, 26 Groups and 76 Subgroups. Finally, we present an example of the results of the classification in Southampton