Rural and Urban Postcode Classifications

« Back to Glossary Index

How are Postcodes Classified in the UK?

Postcodes in the UK are classified using the Rural and Urban Postcode Classifications to categorise areas into distinct settlement types. These classifications enable detailed analysis for statistical and policy purposes, particularly in relation to population, business, and service provision differences between urban and rural areas.

Rural and Urban Classifications

At its most detailed level, the classification divides areas into:

• Six rural settlement types (e.g., rural villages, hamlets, and isolated dwellings).
• Four urban settlement types (e.g., urban major conurbations, minor conurbations, and urban cities).

These classifications can also be aggregated to suit broader geographies, such as Local Authority Districts, making them versatile for analyses at various levels.

Key Applications of Postcode Classifications

Postcode classifications are essential for:

• Census and Geographic Analysis: Facilitating insights into demographic and economic differences between rural and urban areas.
• Service and Policy Planning: Highlighting disparities in access to services, infrastructure, and opportunities.
• Understanding Demographics: Rural areas typically have older populations and smaller businesses compared to urban centres.
• Assessing Quality of Life: Exploring how factors such as healthcare, education, and housing vary across rural and urban settings.

Recent Updates and Context

The 2021 Census and subsequent datasets reflect updated classifications, accounting for changing settlement patterns and population distributions. Rural and urban definitions also align with standards from organisations like the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Defra, ensuring consistency in analyses.

---

Useful Links for Further Reading

• ONS: Rural-Urban Classification
  Explains the methodology behind rural and urban classifications, offering guidance for researchers and policymakers.
• Defra: Rural and Urban Area Definitions
  Provides detailed definitions and datasets to support rural-urban analysis in England and Wales.

For more detailed insights into local areas, explore our Geodemographic data product which provides extensive Statistical Data covering the whole of the UK.

« Back to Glossary Index