Rural Urban Classification for statistical areas (LSOAs)

This dataset classifies statistical areas (lower super output areas or LSOAs) in Cheshire East on either a two level classification - rural or urban - or a six level classification; rural, predominantly rural, more rural than urban, more urban than rural, predominantly urban and urban. A methodology document explains how the classifications were created . A map of the classifications is also available . Six variables are used to create the classification, four of these come from the census: 1. Proportion (aged 16-74) of employment in agriculture 2. Average number of cars per household 3. Population density - people per hectare 4. Proportion (aged 16-74) self-employed of those economically active 5. Access to services – this includes road distances to; a GP surgery, a supermarket or convenience store, a primary school and distance to a Post Office 6. Buildings as a proportion of all land use The classification will be updated following the release of the 2021 Census in 2022-23. There are many definitions of areas within Cheshire East classifying them into varying degrees of rural or urban. Organisations such as the Countryside Agency, DEFRA, the Office for National Statistics and central government each produced their own classification. The indicators used and available geographies are different. Several local definitions also existed. To remedy this, a local classification was developed.