Following extensive engagement with local authorities, we have a final list of updated names for the Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in Wales. These updated names ensure that they are intuitive, bilingual and reflective of the electoral ward names and the local communities they represent.
Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
What are LSOAs?
LSOAs are geographical areas of similar population size used for reporting small area statistics. There are 1,917 LSOAs in Wales, each containing between 400 and 1,200 households with a resident population between 1,000 and 3,000 people. These areas were first created by the Office for National Statistics following the 2001 Census and undergo changes at each census to reflect population changes.
Why update the names?
The names provided by the ONS are based on local authorities, which can be non-intuitive for users. For example, “Denbighshire 004E” doesn’t clearly indicate the area it represents. In 2005, the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) introduced local names for LSOAs to provide clearer descriptions for local decision-makers, the media, and the public. Following each census the LSOAs may change based on population changes and the 2021 census resulted in a number of new LSOAs. Following a review of electoral wards in Wales in 2022, the original names required updating to remain consistent with those.
How did we engage?
In January 2024 we asked Welsh Statistical Liaison Committee members for feedback on our proposed list of updated LSOA names based on an initial method. We then met with a number of local authorities who responded and revised our methodology based on the feedback received.
In November 2024 we sent out a new list of names based on the revised methodology and invited further comments and feedback.
We worked closely with local authorities and the Welsh Language Commissioner to ensure that we have a consistent approach across all names and that the new names are accurate, bilingual, and reflective of the electoral ward names and the local areas.
What’s next?
We are pleased to inform you that the final list of Census 2021 Lower Super Output Area (LSOA) Names (StatsWales) has been published. This update provides an official list of names of all LSOAs in Wales, making it easier for everyone to understand and use small area statistics.
We appreciate the cooperation and input from local authorities and stakeholders who were involved in this process. There are a few LSOAs where the local authorities have indicated that they may review those names further, if there are any further changes we will update the published list and indicate any which have changed. Local authorities and the Welsh Language Commissioner have helped us to quality assure the names, however if you do spot an error please do let us know at data@gov.wales.