Developing Understanding Welsh Places (UWP) involved the following steps:
The Understanding Welsh Places website defines a place as a settlement with 1,000 or more residents and identifies these settlements using the national recognised boundary definitions of Contiguous Built-up Areas (CBUAs). This approach identifies 307 places and these form the geographical base of the UWP website. 193 of these places have a resident population of 2,000 or more. These places have been selected for more detailed statistical representation on the UWP website as they contain a population large enough for robust statistical analysis.
CBUAs were defined for the Census of Population 2011 by the Welsh Government working with the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). CBUAs are a combination of the ONS’ Built-up Areas and Built-up Area Subdivisions datasets. A CBUA is either a Built-up Area or, where a Built-up Area is large enough to be subdivided, the subdivisions of this Built-up Area. Full documentation of the Built-up Areas has been published by ONS (1). The decision to use CBUAs permit the use of a wide range of national government data, as smaller geographies (such as census output areas) can readily be assembled into CBUAs. This reflects the fact that UWP is about places, and not about local authorities or other geographies, and that consistency and comparability across Wales are key principles of the project.
On the UWP web interface the term 'places' is used rather than CBUA.
The 2011 Census of Population for Wales provides data on a range of demographic, social and economic indicators. Data for a series of variables were downloaded for small area geographies (Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA)) and linked to CBUAs using the best-fit methodology developed by the Welsh Government (2). These variables were used to derive a classification of the 193 places with a resident population of 2,000 or more using the statistical clustering procedure K-Means. This approach follows that used by Shepherd for England in 2009 and also the Understanding Scottish Places project (4). Some pre-analysis of variables was carried out to understand the dimensions of the data and to ensure that the variables would offer sufficient breadth and variety to produce a meaningful classification.
A detailed summary of the demographic and socio-economic variables used in the analysis and available for download from the website can be found in the Appendix at the end of this page.
Household Variables (% total Households)
Car ownership
Tenure (% of all households)
Social Conditions
Household composition (% of all households)
Demographic Variables (% total residential population)
Age Distribution
Employment (% working age 16-74 in employment)
Hours worked
Socio-economic variables
Education (% usual residential population aged 16 and over)
Occupation (% aged 16-74)
Social Grade (% usual residential population aged 16-64)
National Identity
Rural / Urban mix
The UWP website has classified the 193 places into seven groups (1 – 7) based on K-means analysis of the variables discussed earlier. K-means clustering is a statistical procedure which seeks to maximise differences between categories and minimise differences within categories. This means that places within the same category are as similar to one another as possible, whilst also being as dis-similar to places in other categories as possible. K-means clustering is based upon numerical distance between places, represented by scores on the input variables. Each category is given a value as the centre point, or centroid. The number of categories dictates the number of centroids and the distances are measured from these centroid values. The places are categorised by minimising the distance between the score of each place and the centroid value. The process is iterative, with places being moved between categories at each iteration until the most suitable solution is found. The process stops when no places can be moved between categories.
The clustering procedure involved repeating the process for different numbers of potential categories. A judgement was made between too much detail (too many categories) and too much generality (too few categories) using a combination of statistical diagnostic tests on the categories and their legibility as a coherent group of places. This generated three different potential classifications based on putting places into five, six or seven categories. The seven-category classification was selected after consultation with participants at a stakeholder workshop and statistical analysis of the data.
It is logical to expect that settlement size, in terms of resident population, will impact on a place’s function and service provision. Therefore, the categories mentioned above were disaggregated in terms of the size of the places. The table shows the size categories used, which provide compatibility with the population settlement size used in the CBUA methodology.
|
Population |
Number of Places |
|
Less than 2,000 |
0 |
|
2,000 - 9,999 |
134 |
|
10,000 - 24,999 |
40 |
|
25,000 – 99,999 |
16 |
|
100,000 and over |
3 |
Combining the seven groups (1 - 7) with the four population settlement size categories resulted in 18 different groupings (i.e. there were 10 combinations of groups and population settlement size which contained no places).
Two of these 18 groups only contained one place. In December 2020, based on user feedback, we removed these two groups and merged the two places into the group in the same category most closely matching their population size. As a result, Porthcawl has been moved from Category 4, population size 10,000-24,999 to Category 4, population size 2,000-9,999 and Colwyn Bay has been moved from Category 5, population size 25,000-99,000 to Category 5 population size 10,000-24,999. This has reduced our final number of groupings to 16.
| Number of Places | ||||
| Category | Population: 2,000 – 9,999 | Population: 10,000 – 24,999 | Population: 25,000 – 99,999 | Population: 100,000 and over |
| 1 | 23 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | 28 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 3 |
| 4 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | 27 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
The next level of Understanding Welsh Places was to apply an inter-relationship model. The inter-relationship model is framed by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies’ (CLES) research over the last ten years about the resilience of place. The CLES resilience model explores the assets and relationships which places have between the public, commercial, and social sectors and how these shape the functioning of their economies. The inter-relationship model explores these connections further by identifying the extent to which places are reliant or otherwise upon neighbouring places for these assets and relationships.
In the Understanding Welsh Places project, we have developed a way of exploring the inter-relationships between places using a set of indicators. These indicators enable us to define the relative independence, interdependence, and dependence of the 193 places in Wales with a population of over 2,000 people. We have called this our inter-relationship model.
An independent place will have a high number of public; commercial; and social economy assets in relation to its population. This will include GP surgeries and charities. It will have a diverse sector base in terms of jobs. Residents will travel short distances to work and services and the place will attract people from neighbouring places to access its assets.
A dependent place will have a low number of public; commercial; and social economy assets in relation to its population. It will be reliant on singular sectors in terms of jobs. Residents will travel longer distances to work and services and the place will be reliant on neighbouring places for assets and jobs.
An interdependent place will sit somewhere between independent and dependent places. For some public, commercial and social economy assets it may have a high number in relation to its population and for others a low number. A balance of people will work in the place with others reliant on neighbouring places for work and services.
Approach
In the version of Understanding Welsh Places launched in September 2019, eleven indicators were used to explore the inter-relationships within and between places in Wales. This was updated in December 2020 to include fourteen indicators.
These indicators were chosen on the basis of data being available nationally. The indicators portray three things:
To populate each indicator, we have gathered data from a range of sources for each of the 193 places in Wales with a population of over 2,000 people. The 14 indicators and associated data sources are as follows:
The data has then been analysed utilising the appropriate one of three portrayals outlined earlier (number of assets; diversity of business and employment base; and distance travelled). For each indicator, places have then been split into sevenths depending on their position across the 193 places and given an appropriate score. Places in the top seventh on each indicator (a high number of shops per resident, for example) have scored 6 and places in the bottom seventh (a low number of shops per resident, for example) have scored -6 with increments of 4, 2, 0, -2, and -4 in between.
Once we have analysed each indicator for each place we have then added up the individual scores to derive a total for the place. The highest aggregated total score is 58 with the lowest -62. We have then taken the difference (120) between highest and lowest and split the places into seven equal increments. For example, places scoring between 41 and 58 are in the top increment. They have been subsequently provided with the following assessments:
This gives each place their overarching score and assessment using our inter-relationship model.
Independent places have a high number of assets in relation to their population; a strong diversity of jobs; and residents travel shorter distances to travel to work and services. These places will attract people from neighbouring places to access their assets and jobs.
Independent to Interdependent places have a good number of assets in relation to their population. These places have a good diversity of jobs; and residents on the whole travel shorter distances to travel to work and services. These places attract people from neighbouring places to access some of their assets and jobs.
Interdependent to Independent places have a good number of assets in relation to their population. They have some diversity of jobs; and residents largely travel shorter distances to work and services, although some travel longer distances. These places attract people from neighbouring places to access some of their assets and jobs.
Interdependent places have a medium number of assets in relation to their population; average diversity of jobs; and residents travel a mix of short and long distances to travel to work and services. These places are attractors of people from neighbouring places who come to access some assets and jobs but they are also reliant on neighbouring places for other assets and jobs.
Interdependent to Dependent places have a low number of assets in relation to their population. They have some diversity of jobs; and residents travel largely longer distances to work and services, although some travel shorter distances. They are reliant on neighbouring places for some assets and jobs.
Dependent to Interdependent places have a low number of assets in relation to their population. They have a poor diversity of jobs; and residents on the whole travel longer distances to work and services. They are reliant on neighbouring places for some assets and jobs.
Dependent places have a low number of assets in relation to their population; a reliance on one sector for jobs; and residents travel longer distances to work and services. They are reliant on neighbouring places for assets and jobs.
The December 2020 update of the inter-relationship model resulted in 70 (36%) places changing classification. Of these, 11 (7%) places became more dependent by one category, 59 (30%) places became less dependent by one category and 123 (63%) places remained in the same category.
These variables represent important place characteristics. However, they are not included in the inter-relationship model as we would not expect them to influence a person's choice of visiting one place over another.
The Understanding Welsh Places website includes maps and graphs showing the movement, or ‘flow’, of people from one place to another. There are three flow datasets for each place: commuting, migration and day to day movements or ‘trips’.
Commuter Flows
Commuter flows show the movement of people from their usual area of residence to their usual workplace. All modes of transport are included. The commuter flows are calculated from the origin destination workplace tables published by the Office for National Statistics and based on responses to the 2011 Census, aggregated and filtered into the CBUA geographies. The maps of commuting flows are limited to places in Wales with a population of above 2,000 people.
We also include flows to and from English Local Authority Districts (LAD) along the Welsh border (which we call English border authorities) and, going further afield, to English Regions. If a LAD occurs within a Region (e.g. Gloucester in the South West), we adjust the Region’s flows accordingly. Commuting flows to Scotland and Northern Ireland are not available.
The “Work in other locations” category includes people with no-fixed workplace (e.g. delivery drivers) and people who work in places such as an offshore installation or outside of the UK.
For the radial graph of people who commute into the selected place, we removed the people who live and work in the selected place before calculating the percentages to simplify the display and to ensure consistency with the other radial graph in the pair which presents this information.
Migration Flows
Migration flows show the movement of people from their place of residence one year before the Census 2011, to their place of residence on the day of the Census 2011. In Understanding Welsh Places maps of migration flows are limited to places in Wales with a population of above 2,000 people.
We also include flows to and from English Local Authority Districts (LAD) along the Welsh border (which we call English border authorities) and, going further afield, to English Regions. If a LAD occurs within a Region (e.g. Gloucester in the South West), we adjust the Region’s flows accordingly.
Flows with fewer than 10 migrants are not displayed to increase the clarity of the map and maintain anonymity.
For the radial graph of people who moved into the selected place, we removed the people who lived and moved within the selected place before calculating the percentages to simplify the display and to ensure consistency with the other radial graph in the pair which presents this information.
Daily Flows (Trips)
This data shows the modelled daily flow of people between places at different times of the week (Weekday vs Weekend) and different times of the day (Morning, Mid-day, Evening, Night) and different modes of transport (All, Motorised (e.g. road based transport such as cars and buses), Rail, Cycle/Other (including walking)). These flows are called ‘Trips’ and the different times of day are defined as follows:
The modes of transport were modelled using an algorithm which estimates the speed that a person travels to differentiate between motorised / rail modes and the cycling / other mode. The rail mode was further differentiated from the motorised (road) mode based on routing analysis to separate rail corridors from road corridors and cluster analysis and travel time duration analysis. When rail trips are identified, the whole trip, end to end is classified as rail, including travel to and from the station. Owing to the relatively small distances between stations within parts of Wales it is likely that not all rail trips have been picked up and that a number of these are still included in the motorised category.
In Understanding Welsh Places maps of trip flows are limited to places in Wales with a population of above 2,000 people. We also include flows to English Local Authority Districts (LAD) along the Welsh border.
Flows with fewer than 20 trips are not displayed to increase the clarity of the map and maintain anonymity.
These data are modelled based on the movements of Vodaphone mobile phone devices, recorded between 10th May 2015 and 14th June 2015. Vodaphone devices account for approximately one third of the UK population. To expand this sample to the full UK population an expansion factor, based on the residential population for Lower Super Output Areas, has been applied. These data were provided by Citi Logik.
The Understanding Welsh Places website includes maps and data showing how different places in Wales with a population over 2000 people are connected by the road and rail network.
By car
Journeys by car for CBUAs
The travel times were calculated using Open Street Map and Open Trip Planner's routing algorithm. The routing algorithm utilises a hierarchy of roads where it favours major roads, such as motorways, over minor roads, such as unclassified roads and lanes. The travel times were measured from the centre of each CBUA which was based on conventional measures of town and city centre locations rather than the geometric or population weighted centroid of the CBUA.
Various assumptions and criteria were used to estimate the travel times including average speed limits of roads and conventional metrics for estimating the time it takes to traverse a junction. Six travel time intervals commonly used in accessibility analysis were used to categorise the travel times (10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes).
The boundaries of the zones are indicative of how far a person could travel and that there is an element of uncertainty depending on time of day, day of the week, weather conditions etc. Because of this, and the assumptions made in the modelling, it is likely that the travel times reported here will vary slightly when compared to similar information obtained from other sources (e.g. Google Maps) as these other sources will use their own assumptions and criteria, and may also include their own propriety data records and live data feeds to calibrate their measures. This does not mean that our measures are incorrect, rather that they should be used as representative of travel times from the selected place and that these may vary slightly depending on context.
Journeys by car for railway stations
The methodology described above was also used to calculate car travel times from all the stations in Wales. The maps show direct journeys in the morning for a 30 minute maximum journey time.
By train
Journeys by train
Journeys by train shows the train stations that can be reached from a starting station within the selected time period (from 10 minutes to 8 hours) using the standard train timetable. All stations in Wales and those located in the English border authorities are included. The default starting station is the nearest station to the centre of each CBUA (calculated using the methods described in the “By car” section) but other stations can be selected using the menu. Journeys can be filtered between direct journeys and journeys that involve changing trains.
The modelling has been undertaken for different times of the week (weekday (Monday to Friday), Saturday or Sunday) using train timetable data for Wales and England obtained from Rail Delivery Group and extracted in January 2022. The journey time for a particular route is based on the first train leaving the station on that route after 8am. The journey times tend to be the same for all services on a particular route regardless of the time of the day. This timetable does not account for any special changes to the service.
The results are visualised using station locations obtained from The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and rail network data obtained from Ordnance Survey.
Nearest stations
The interface highlights the nearest three stations to each place. The train station measures are based on The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) statistics on estimates of station usage Table 1410 – passenger entries and exits and interchanges by stations from March 2019 to February 2020 (i.e. pre-COVID19 pandemic usage). This has been supplemented by data from Transport for Wales, Cross Country and GWR on train routes and lines, and disabled access. All stations in Wales, and those located in the English border authorities, were included in the analysis. Travel distances and travel times to each station from the selected place were calculated using the methods described in the “By car” section. Daily passenger numbers are based on annual entry and exit totals divided by 365 to give an average daily total across the year. These have been categorised into the following bands:
The train routes and line are categorised into the following:
Station accessibility
Information about station facilities and accessibility is indicative only. Those wishing to utilise these facilities should check with the station’s operator or website prior to travelling.
The station accessibility categorisation has been developed by Transport for Wales, and is as follows:
Category A
The station has step-free access to and between all platforms, at all times trains are running, via level access, lifts or ramps (in accordance with new-build standards re gradient/length). Additional station entrances or walking routes not meeting the A criteria are permitted, providing the additional walking distance to avoid these is no more than 100m.
Category B
The station does not meet category A, but has step-free access to either all platforms or at least one platform. In some cases, the station may be usable for some disabled and older people, but in others major barriers may exist which are likely to restrict the ability of some disabled or older people to use the station. This may include long or steep ramps, access between platforms that may be via the street, and there may not be step-free access to or between all station areas.
Category B1
Step-free access to all platforms - may include long or steep ramps. Access between platforms may be via the street. This station does not meet the A criteria, but has step-free access (to all platforms) likely to be usable by many people with reduced mobility. Access may be via ramps, up to 1:10 gradient (any length). Short end-of-platform ramps may be up to 1:7.
Access between platforms may be via the street, no more than 400m. Access via level crossings is permitted (if full barrier). Access routes may be via car parks, or short access roads without pavements, but otherwise routes via the street must include a pavement. Additional entrances/ walking routes not meeting the A1 or A2 criteria are permitted, providing the additional walking distance to avoid these is no more than 400m.
Category B2
Some step-free access to all platforms- please check details. This station has step-free access to all platforms, but major barriers exist which are likely to restrict the ability of some people to use the station. Step-free routes do not meet the A or B1 criteria (e.g. long ramps steeper than 1:10, or thestep-free route between platforms is greater than 400m). Any station with an ungated or half-barrier level crossing between platforms is in B2 or lower.
Any station where step-free access is only available at certain times, or only to certain passengers, is in B2 or lower (e.g. because lifts are unavailable when the station is unstaffed) for example, if the step-free entrance opening times depend on staff presence at the station.
Category B3
Some step-free access, may be in one direction only - please check details. This station has step-free access to fewer than the total number of platforms.
By bus
Journeys by bus for CBUAs
This section shows the locations that can be reached from the centre of each CBUA using the bus timetable. The start of a journey can be set to different times of the week (Weekday (Monday to Friday), Saturday, or Sunday) and different times of the day (Morning, Mid-day, Evening and Night). The different times of the day are defined as follows:
Journeys were calculated for departure times at 15 minute intervals throughout each of these four periods of the day. The isochrones on the map indicate the extent of the area that could be reached within a maximum journey time of 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes of each starting time. Direct bus journeys and bus journeys requiring a change have been modelled separately.
Journeys by bus begin on foot at the centre of the CBUA. The centre of each CBUA has been calculated using the methods described in the “By car” section. The model allows the person making the journey to walk to all the bus stops within 1600m (network distance) of the starting point. This equates to a 20 minute walk at 3mph. Once the person reaches a bus stop, they can either keep walking to the next stop or wait for a bus. If a bus arrives before the maximum journey time has elapsed (i.e. the 10 to 90 minutes) the passenger will continue their journey, otherwise their journey will end.
Once a person leaves a bus, they may walk away from the bus stop for either the remainder of their maximum journey time (i.e. the 10 to 90 minutes), or for 20 minutes (1600m), whichever comes first. If the model allows a change of buses, and the person reaches another bus stop within that time, they will have the opportunity to change buses and continue their journey, otherwise their journey will end.
All the possible permutations of a person’s journey have been modelled. For instance, the model allows the person to walk past a bus stop, to wait at a bus stop for the next bus, to wait for a subsequent bus, or, once travelling by bus, to alight and walk at every stop on the route. This ensures that the final isochrones show the full extent of the area that could be reached by bus within the maximum journey time for each period of the day.
The colours on the map indicate the level of bus service each area receives. Darker colours indicate higher levels of service, indicating that a higher proportion of departures from the centre of the CBUA can reach that area. For example, there are 12 departure times in the ‘morning’ period, leaving at 15 minute intervals between 7:00am and 9:45am. If six of those departure times can reach an area, the frequency of coverage for that area is 50%. The colour bandings have been standardised, enabling comparison across Wales.
The modelling is undertaken using OpenTripPlanner software. The data used include OpenStreetMap’s road network data, bus timetable data obtained from Traveline and bus stop data obtained from National Public Transport Access Nodes (NaPTAN). All data are from August 2021. The modelling is based on travel times from the bus timetable and does not account for conditions that may be present on particular days, such as traffic congestion, road works and weather conditions. This analysis is limited to Wales only.
Journeys by bus for railway stations
The methodology described above was also used to calculate bus travel times from all the stations in Wales. The maps show direct journeys in the morning for a 30 minute maximum journey time.
By cycling
Journeys by cycling for CBUAs
This section shows the locations that can be reached from the centre of each CBUA by cycling. The isochrones on the map indicate the extent of the area that could be reached within a maximum journey time of 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes. It is based on an average cycling speed of 11.5 mph and includes cycling along roads and cycle paths and other designated cycling routes.
The model has been set up to prefer routes along quieter roads and to avoid terrain that may make cycling difficult (e.g. steep gradients or unsuitable surfaces). It does not include time taken for breaks, traffic congestion or weather conditions. As the models do not account for these parameters, the isochrone extents are the same regardless of the time of day or day of the week a person leaves the centre of the CBUA.
The modelling is undertaken using OpenTripPlanner software. The data used include OpenStreetMap’s road and path network data obtained in August 2021. This analysis is limited to Wales only.
Journeys by cycling for railway stations
The methodology described above was also used to calculate cycling travel times from all the stations in Wales. The maps show direct journeys in the morning for a 30 minute maximum journey time.
By walking
Journeys by walking for CBUAs
This section shows the locations that can be reached from the centre of each CBUA by walking. The isochrones on the map indicate the extent of the area that could be reached within a maximum journey time of 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes. It is based on an average walking speed of 3 mph and includes footpaths along roads and other designated footpaths.
The model has been set up to prefer routes on footpaths along quieter roads and to avoid terrain that may make walking difficult (e.g. steep gradients or unsuitable surfaces). It does not include time taken for breaks or weather conditions. As the models do not account for these parameters, the isochrone extents are the same regardless of the time of day or day of the week a person leaves the centre of the CBUA.
The modelling is undertaken using OpenTripPlanner software. The data used include OpenStreetMap’s road and path network data obtained in August 2021. This analysis is limited to Wales only.
Journeys by walking for railway stations
The methodology described above was also used to calculate walking travel times from all the stations in Wales. The maps show direct journeys in the morning for a 30 minute maximum journey time.
Demographic and Socio-Economic Classification Variables – a detailed description with data sources
Age distribution
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
0 to 4 years |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 0-4 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
|
5 to 9 years |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 5-9 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
|
10 to 15 years |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 10-15 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
|
16 to 24 years |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-24 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
|
25 to 44 years |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 25-44 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
|
45 to 64 years |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 45-64 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
|
65 to 74 years |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 65-74 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
|
75 years and over |
Percentage of usual resident population aged over 75 (MYE 2017) |
ONS mid-year population estimates for Output Areas (2017) |
Household composition
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Single |
Percentage of single person households |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Married with no children |
Percentage of households married with no children |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Married with children |
Percentage of households married with children (including dependent and non-dependent children) |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Co-habiting with no children |
Percentage of households co-habiting with no children |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Cohabiting with children |
Percentage of households co-habiting with children (including dependent and non-dependent children) |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Lone parent with no dependent children |
Percentage of lone parent households with no dependent children |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Lone parent with dependent children |
Percentage of lone parent households with dependent children |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Student households |
Percentage of student households (multiple occupation) |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
|
Multiple occupation households |
Percentage of other multiple occupation households, excluding students. |
Census 2011 (KS105EW) |
Economic activity
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Students |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are students (including both economically active and inactive) |
Census 2011 (KS601EW) |
|
Retired |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are retired people (economically inactive) |
Census 2011 (KS601EW) |
|
Looking after home/family |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are looking after the home or family (economically inactive) |
Census 2011 (KS601EW) |
|
Economically inactive |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are economically inactive(including Retired, Student and Homemaker) |
Census 2011 (KS601EW) |
|
Employees |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employees (part-time and full-time) (economically active) |
Census 2011 (KS601EW) |
|
Self-employed |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are self-employed (economically active) |
Census 2011 (KS601EW) |
|
Unemployed |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are unemployed (economically active) |
Census 2011 (KS601EW) |
Industry of employment
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Mining and quarrying |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in mining and quarrying. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Manufacturing |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in manufacturing. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Construction |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in construction. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Transport and storage |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in transport and storage. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Accommodation and food service activities |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in accommodation and food service activities. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Information and communication |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in information and communication. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Financial and insurance activities |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in financial and insurance activities. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Real estate activities |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in real estate activities. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in professional, scientific and technical activities. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Administrative and support service activities |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in administrative and support service activities. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in public administration and defence; compulsory social security. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Education |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in education. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
|
Human health and social work activities |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16-74 who are employed in human health and social work activities. |
Census 2011 (KS605EW) |
Qualifications
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
None |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16+ with no academic or professional qualifications. |
Census 2011 (QS501EW) |
|
Level 1 |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16+ with qualifications up to level 1 (1-4 O Levels/CSE/GCSEs (any grades), Entry Level, Foundation Diploma, NVQ level 1, Foundation GNVQ, Basic/Essential Skills (England & Wales & Northern Ireland)). |
Census 2011 (QS501EW) |
|
Level 2 |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16+ with qualifications up to level 2(5+ O Level (Passes)/CSEs (Grade 1)/GCSEs (Grades A*-C), School Certificate, 1 A Level/ 2-3 AS Levels/VCEs, Intermediate/Higher Diploma, Welsh Baccalaureate Intermediate Diploma, NVQ level 2, Intermediate GNVQ, City and Guilds Craft, BTEC First/General Diploma, RSA Diploma (England & Wales & Northern Ireland)). |
Census 2011 (QS501EW) |
|
Level 3 |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16+ with qualifications to up level 3(2+ A Levels/VCEs, 4+ AS Levels, Higher School Certificate, Progression/Advanced Diploma, Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma, NVQ Level 3; Advanced GNVQ, City and Guilds Advanced Craft, ONC, OND, BTEC National, RSA Advanced Diploma (England & Wales & Northern Ireland)). |
Census 2011 (QS501EW) |
|
Level 4+ |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16+ with qualifications up to level 4 and above (Degree (for example BA, BSc), Higher Degree (for example MA, PhD, PGCE), NVQ Level 45, HNC, HND, RSA Higher Diploma, BTEC Higher level, Foundation degree (NI), Professional qualifications (for example teaching, nursing, accountancy) (England & Wales & Northern Ireland)). |
Census 2011 (QS501EW) |
Tenure
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Homeowner |
Percentage of households who own their home (including owned outright, owned with a mortgage and shared ownership). |
Census 2011 (KS402EW) |
|
Rented (social) |
Percentage of households who are in the social rented sector |
Census 2011 (KS402EW) |
|
Rented (private) |
Percentage of households who are in the private rented sector |
Census 2011 (KS402EW) |
Social Condition
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Social grade: level 1 |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16 to 64 assigned the approximated social grade AB (assigned to all individuals in a household where the household reference person is employed in higher and intermediate managerial/administrative/professional occupations). |
Census 2011 (QS611EW) |
|
Social grade: level 2 |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16 to 64 assigned the approximated social grade C1 (assigned to all individuals in a household where the household reference person is employed in supervisory, clerical and junior managerial/administrative/professional occupations. |
Census 2011 (QS611EW) |
|
Social grade: level 3 |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16 to 64 assigned the approximated social grade C2 (assigned to all individuals in a household where the household reference person is employed in skilled manual occupations. |
Census 2011 (QS611EW) |
|
Social grade: level 4 |
Percentage of usual resident population aged 16 to 64 assigned the approximated social grade DE (assigned to all individuals in a household where the household reference person is employed in semi-skilled and unskilled manual occupations; unemployed and lowest grade occupations). |
Census 2011 (QS611EW) |
|
Overcrowded accommodation |
Percentage of all usual residents in households living in overcrowded accommodation (persons per room >1). |
Census 2011 (QS410EW) |
|
Claiming employment benefits |
Percentage of the working age population claiming employment related benefits (Incapacity Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Those claiming multiple benefits are only counted once). |
WIMD Employment Domain (Welsh Government, 2017) |
|
Poor health |
Percentage of usual resident population who self-report their health as either bad or very bad. |
Census 2011 (QS302EW) |
|
Limiting long-term illness |
Percentage of usual resident population whose day-to-day activities are limited by a long-term health problem or disability. |
Census 2011 (QS303EW) |
Rurality Indicators
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Car availability: no cars or vans |
Percentage Households with no car or van. |
Census 2011 (KS404EW) |
|
Car availability: 1 car or van. |
Percentage Households with 1 car or van. |
Census 2011 (KS404EW) |
|
Car availability: 2 or more cars or vans |
Percentage Households with 2 or more cars or vans. |
Census 2011 (KS404EW) |
|
Urban output areas |
Percentage of Output Areas (OAs) in the CBUA classed as Urban (C1 or C2). |
ONS Rural Urban Classification (2011) |
|
Rural output areas |
Percentage of Output Areas (OAs) in the CBUA classed as Rural (D1, D2, E1, E2, F1 or F2). |
ONS Rural Urban Classification (2011). |
National Identity
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
National identity: Welsh |
Percentage of usual resident population who identify as Welsh |
Census 2011 (KS202EW) |
|
National identity: British |
Percentage of usual resident population who identify as British |
Census 2011 (KS202EW) |
|
Born in Wales |
Percentage of usual resident population who were born in Wales. |
Census 2011 (KS204EW) |
|
Speak welsh |
Percentage of the usual resident population aged 3+ who speak Welsh |
Census 2011 (KS207WA) |
Ethnic Group
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Ethnic Group: White |
Percentage of usual resident population who’s own perceived ethnic group and cultural background is White |
Census 2011 (KS201EW) |
|
Ethnic Group: Mixed and Multiple Ethnic Groups |
Percentage of usual resident population who’s own perceived ethnic group and cultural background is mixed or belongs to multiple ethnic groups |
Census 2011 (KS201EW) |
|
Ethnic Group: Asian and Asian British |
Percentage of usual resident population who’s own perceived ethnic group and cultural background is Asian or Asian British |
Census 2011 (KS201EW) |
|
Ethnic Group: Black, African, Caribbean and Black British |
Percentage of usual resident population who’s own perceived ethnic group and cultural background is Black, African, Caribbean or Black British |
Census 2011 (KS201EW) |
|
Ethnic Group: Other Ethnic Group |
Percentage of usual resident population who’s own perceived ethnic group and cultural background belongs to other ethnic groups |
Census 2011 (KS201EW) |
Population Flows
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Commuter Flow |
All usual residents ages 16 and over in employment the week before the census. Location of usual residence and place of work (OA level). |
Census 2011 (WF01BEW) |
|
Migration Flow |
Origin and destination of all residents who have moved within one year of the Census 2011. |
Census 2011 (MF01UK) |
|
Daily Flows (trips) |
These data are modelled based on the movements of Vodaphone mobile phone devices, recorded between 10th May 2015 and 14th June 2015. Modal split has been based on analysis of the data. |
CitiLogik |
Connectivity
|
Name |
Description |
Source |
|
Travel Distance |
Road network distance from the centre of the CBUA (5km, 10km, 20km, 30km). |
OS Highways, Ordnance Survey, March 2021. |
|
Travel Time |
Travel time from the centre of the CBUA (10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes). |
OS Highways, Ordnance Survey, March 2021. |
|
Train Timetable |
Train timetable data for weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays for Wales and English border authorities. |
Rail Delivery Group, January 2022. |
|
Railway Network |
The railway network in Wales, England and Scotland. |
OS Meridian 2017, Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright and database right 2020 |
|
Railway Station Locations |
Locations of railways stations in Wales and English border authorities. |
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Table 1410 – passenger entries and exits and interchanges by stations from March 2019 to February 2020. |
|
Passengers |
Average daily number of passenger station entries and exits totals (annual totals divided by 365). |
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Table 1410 – passenger entries and exits and interchanges by stations from March 2019 to February 2020. |
|
Train Routes and Lines |
The number of different train routes and lines served by each station. |
Rail Network Map, Transport for Wales, December 2021; GWR Network Map, Great Western Railway, December 2021; CrossCountry Route Map, CrossCountry Trains, December 2021; Avanti West Coast Route Map, Avanti West Coast, December 2021; Our Route and Network Maps, West Midlands Railway, December 2021. |
|
Direct Transport Connection |
Whether the station has a direct connect to other major transport hubs, such as airports or ferries. |
Rail network Map, Transport for Wales, December 2021. |
|
Type of Connection |
The type of direct connection a station has. Either to an airport, ferry or both. |
Rail network Map, Transport for Wales, December 2021. |
|
Request Stop |
Whether the station is a request stop. |
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Table 1410 – passenger entries and exits and interchanges by stations from March 2019 to February 2020. |
|
Seating |
Whether the station has seating. |
Station Accessibility, Transport for Wales, December 2021. |
|
Toilets |
Whether the station has toilets. |
Station Accessibility, Transport for Wales, December 2021. |
|
Car Park |
Whether the station has a car park. |
Station Accessibility, Transport for Wales, December 2021. |
|
Disabled Parking |
Whether the station has designated spaces for disabled parking. |
Station Accessibility, Transport for Wales, December 2021. |
|
Station Accessibility |
The station's accessibility categorisation, using Transport for Wales’ categories (A to B3). |
Station Accessibility, Transport for Wales, December 2021. |
|
Bus Timetable |
Bus timetable data for Wales for weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. |
Traveline National Dataset (TNDS), Traveline, August 2021 |
|
Bus Stops |
Locations of bus stops in Wales. |
National Public Transport access Nodes (NaPTAN), August 2021 |
|
Travel Time by Bus |
Travel time from the centre of the CBUA or train station (10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes). |
Open Street Map August 2021 |
This is a small town or neighbourhood in category 1. These towns or neighbourhoods tend to have higher proportions of married households and fewer single occupancy households than Wales as a whole. They tend to have slightly higher proportions of home ownership and lower levels of social rented homes. There tends to be more people in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average and people tend to be more qualified with a larger proportion of people with degrees and fewer people with no qualifications. More people are in professional and managerial positions than in other places in Wales and multiple car ownership is higher. Proportionally, slightly more people in these places were born in Wales and more people identify as having Welsh nationality. The proportion of Welsh speaking residents also tends to be slightly higher.
This is a medium-sized town in category 1. These towns tend to have higher proportions of married households and fewer single occupancy households than Wales as a whole. They tend to have slightly higher proportions of social rented homes. There tends to be more people in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average. There are more people semi-skilled occupations than in other places in Wales and higher proportions of people working in manufacturing, retail and wholesale. Proportionally, slightly fewer people in these places were born in Wales and fewer people identify as having Welsh nationality. The proportion of Welsh speaking residents also tends to be slightly lower.
This is a large town in category 1. These towns tend to have higher proportions of young working age people (25-44 years old), and single people living in multi-occupancy households and private rented homes than Wales as a whole. There tends to be more people in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average and people tend to be more qualified with a larger proportion of people with degrees and fewer people with no qualifications. More people are in professional and managerial positions than in other places in Wales and multiple car ownership is higher. Proportionally, slightly more people in these places were born in Wales and identify as having Welsh nationality, although the proportion of Welsh speaking residents tends to be slightly lower.
This is a small town or neighbourhood in category 2. These towns or neighbourhoods tend to have higher proportions of lone parent households than in Wales. They tend to have slightly lower proportions of home ownership and higher levels of social rented homes. There tends to be fewer people in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average with a higher proportion of people having few qualifications. More people tend to be employed in semi-skilled and unskilled occupations with a higher proportion of people working in the manufacturing sectors than in other places in Wales. Car ownership is lower than in other places in Wales. Proportionally, more people in these places were born in Wales and people tend to identify as having Welsh nationality although the proportion of Welsh speaking residents also tends to be low.
This is a medium-sized town in category 2. These towns tend to have slightly higher proportions of home ownership and lower levels of social rented homes. There tends to be fewer people in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average. More people tend to be employed in semi-skilled and unskilled occupations with a higher proportion of people working in the manufacturing sectors than in other places in Wales. Car ownership is lower than in other places in Wales. Proportionally, more people in these places were born in Wales and people tend to identify as having Welsh nationality although the proportion of Welsh speaking residents also tends to be low.
This is a large town in category 2. These towns tend to have slightly lower levels of social renting than the Welsh average. There is a lower proportion of well qualified people with more people having no qualifications. Fewer people tend to be employed in professional and managerial occupations with a higher proportion employed in manufacturing. Proportionally, more people in these places were born in Wales and people tend to identify as having Welsh nationality although the proportion of Welsh speaking residents also tends to be low.
This is a small town or neighbourhood in category 3. These towns and neighbourhoods tend to have higher proportions of people aged 25-44 years old and lower numbers of retired people than in other places in Wales. There tends to be slightly higher proportions of home ownership and higher levels of social rented homes. More people are in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average and multiple car ownership is very high. Proportionally they have higher proportions of Welsh speakers although the proportions of people born in Wales or identifying as having Welsh nationality is around average for Wales.
This is a medium-sized town in category 3. These towns tend to have higher proportions of people aged 25-44 years old and lower numbers of retired people than in other places in Wales. There tends to be slightly higher proportions of home ownership and higher levels of social rented homes. More people are in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average and multiple car ownership is very high. Proportionally they have higher proportions of Welsh speakers, people born in Wales and people identifying as having Welsh nationality than the average for Wales.
This is a large town in category 3. These towns tend to have higher proportions of people aged 25-44 years old and lower numbers of retired people than in other places in Wales. There tends to be slightly higher proportions of home ownership and higher levels of social rented homes. More people are in work and in full-time employment than the Welsh average and multiple car ownership is very high. Proportionally they have higher proportions of people born in Wales and people identifying as having Welsh nationality than the average for Wales, but lower proportions of people who speak Welsh.
This is a city in category 3. These cities have a higher than average proportions of single people, people living in multiple occupancy households and those living in private rented accommodation. There are lower than average proportions of people who are married. There are higher than average proportions of people with degree- level qualifications and employed in professional and managerial occupations. Fewer people are employed in manufacturing, with marginally higher proportions of people working in public sector and service jobs, such as accommodation, ICT, finance and education. There are higher proportions of people classified as economically inactive, although this may be explained by higher than average proportions of students. They have a higher proportion of the population identifying as being from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic group than in most of Wales. The proportion of people identifying as having Welsh nationality is lower than in Wales as a whole, and there are lower levels of Welsh speaking.
This is a small town or neighbourhood in category 4. These towns tend to have higher proportions of people aged over 45 years old and fewer people aged between 16 and 44 years old than in Wales as a whole. There tends to be a higher proportion of retired people, married people and fewer single households. Home ownership is notably higher than in many parts of Wales and the social rented sector is much lower. There tends to be a higher proportion of people who are self-employed or work in professional and managerial positions and the population tends to be more highly qualified, and more people have degrees, than elsewhere. The places tend more to be in rural locations and multiple car ownership is higher than average. More people living here were born outside of Wales than average and fewer people identify as having Welsh nationality or speak Welsh.
This is a medium-sized town in category 4. These towns tend to have higher proportions of people aged over 65 years old and fewer people aged between 16 and 44 years old than in Wales as a whole. There tends to be a higher proportion of retired people and single person households. Private renting is higher than the Welsh average. There tends to be a lower proportion of people who work in professional and managerial positions and the population tends to be less qualified. There tends to be more people with poor health and the proportion of households without access to a car is higher than average. More people living here were born in Wales, identify as having Welsh nationality than average, but there are fewer Welsh speakers.
This is a small town in category 5. These towns tend have higher proportions of people aged over 65 years old and fewer people aged between 16 and 44 years old than in Wales as a whole. There tends to be a higher proportion of retired people and single people and fewer married households with children. There tends to be a higher proportion of people who are self-employed or work part-time, especially in accommodation, food and services industries. The places tend more to be in rural locations although multiple car ownership is lower than average. More people living here were born outside of Wales than average and fewer people identify as having Welsh nationality, although the proportion of Welsh speaking residents is relatively high.
This is a medium-sized town in category 5. These towns tend to have higher proportions of people aged over 65 years old and fewer people aged between 16 and 44 years old than in Wales as a whole. There tends to be a higher proportion of retired people and single people and fewer married households with children. There tends to be a higher proportion of people who work in the accommodation, food and services industries. The places tend more to be in rural locations. More people living here were born outside of Wales than average and fewer people identify as having Welsh nationality, although the proportion of Welsh speaking residents is relatively high.
This is a large town in category 5. These towns tend have higher proportions of people aged over 65 years old and fewer people aged between 16 and 44 years old than in Wales as a whole. There tends to be a higher proportion of retired people and single people and fewer married households with children. There tends to be a higher proportion of people who work in service and public sector employment and are in professional and managerial occupations and more people than average have degrees. More people living here were born outside of Wales than average and fewer people identify as having Welsh nationality or speak Welsh.
This is a small town or neighbourhood in category 6. These towns or neighbourhoods tend to be in rural locations and overall reflect the average demographic and socio-economic characteristics of many places in Wales, although there tends to be slightly higher incidence of people with ill health, economic inactivity and part-time employment. One key characteristic is that these places have proportionally more people who were born in Wales, identify as having Welsh nationality, and speak Welsh, than the average for Wales.
This is a medium-sized town in category 6. These towns tend to be in rural locations and overall reflect the average demographic and socio-economic characteristics of many places in Wales, although there tends to be slightly higher incidence of people with ill health. One key characteristic is that these places have proportionally more people who were born in Wales, identify as having Welsh nationality, and speak Welsh, than the average for Wales.
This is a medium-sized town in category 7. Its characteristics reflect the presence of a university as a major employer and the relatively large student population. The towns have substantially higher than average people aged 16-24 years old, student and single person households, private rented households and fewer households in owner-occupation. More people work in part-time employment, and in the accommodation, food and service occupations and in education and many more people have A-levels and degrees than average. There are a higher proportion of households with no access to a car. They have a higher proportion of the population identifying as being from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic group than in most of Wales. Fewer people were born in Wales and the proportion identifying as having Welsh nationality is low although Welsh speaking is above average for Wales.