Rural
Urban Classification
The 2021 RUC update seeks to build upon the strengths
of the previous methodology while incorporating significant enhancements. A key
methodological change involves replacing the ‘sparsity’ element of the 2011 RUC
with updated estimates of ‘Relative Access’ to large urban centres.
This document details the methodology of
the 2021 Rural Urban Classification of Statistical Geographies for England and
Wales, and includes a summary of the method, along with detailed technical
information.
The classification covers OA, LSOA, MSOA
and LAD geographies, classifying them based on address density, physical settlement form, population
size, and Relative Access to Major towns and cities (populations of over 75,000
people). The classification is produced by the Office for National Statistics
(ONS) with advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(Defra), the Welsh Government and colleagues from the Government Geography
Profession (GGP).
