The Rural-Urban Classification 2011 (RUC2011) from the Office for National Statistics provides the latest rural/urban picture for small geographical areas, including Output Areas (OAs), Lower-layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) and wards.
The RUC2011 does not contain any statistical data in itself but is a means by which comparisons can be made between rural and urban areas using a range of indicators.
The smallest level for which the classification is available is Output Area (OA).
OAs are classed as ‘urban’ if they are within a built-up area with a population of 10,000 or more. The urban and rural domains are then sub-divided into ten classes based on the predominant settlement characteristics. The classification is also based on context – i.e. whether the wider surrounding area is sparsely populated or less sparsely populated. The resulting classes are listed below, along with the number of OAs within Somerset in each class.
The four ‘Sparse Setting’ classes are confined to the west of West Somerset, while two of the classes (Major and Minor Conurbations) are not represented in Somerset. Broadly, around 50% of Somerset OAs are classed as 'Urban City and Town'; 20% are 'Rural Town and Fringe'; and 30% are Rural Village and Hamlets'.
Map of Rural-Urban Classification by OA (click on map to enlarge)
Classifications for LSOAs are built up from the OA level classifications. Assignments of LSOAs are made by reference to the class to which the majority of their constituent OAs are assigned. At LSOA level settlements are less homogenous than at OA level and there are only eight settlement classes, as follows:
Around 53% of Somerset LSOAs are classed as 'Urban City and Town'; 20% are 'Rural Town and Fringe'; and 27% are 'Rural Village and Dispersed'.
Map of Rural-Urban Classification by LSOA (click on map to enlarge)
Rural-Urban Classifications for electoral wards are based on the same classes as for LSOAs. The number of wards in Somerset in each class is as follows:
Around 41% of Somerset wards are classed as 'Urban City and Town'; 22% are 'Rural Town and Fringe'; and 37% are 'Rural Village and Dispersed'.
For more information on the Rural-Urban Classification 2011 see the Office for National Statistics website.
For more information on geographical boundaries see our section on Somerset Geographies.
86.3% of people living here are very or fairly satisfied with where they live, well above the national average of 78.6% (The Place Survey, 2008).