Approximated Social Grade on the 2011 Census

The Census Offices produced 2011 Census output on Approximated Social Grade, by applying a 2011 algorithm developed by members of the MRS Census & Geodemographics Group. The algorithm uses demographics captured by the Census to assign a likely grade to each individual.

The approach was broadly similar to that taken for 2001, however the 2001 and 2011 Social Grade outputs were modelled using different algorithms, employing different variables. Therefore, it would be misleading to use Census outputs to examine trends in approximated Social Grade profiles between 2001 and 2011. Further details of the previous Social Grade approximation may be found here (link to 2001 Social Grade page)

The initial 2011 Census output table on Approximated Social Grade was table number QS611EW, which provides counts for grades AB, C1, C2 and DE, for household reference persons aged 16 to 64. The ‘Household Reference Person’ is the closest equivalent in the Census to ‘Chief Income Earner’.

These data are available as bulk downloads, on output areas or wards, from the NOMIS website - click here.

A number of Census outputs have been released using Approximate Social Grade, including Quick Statistics (QS), Local Characteristics (LC) and Detailed Characteristics (DC) tables. To search for the tables on Nomis, click here

Development Report

A report is available on the development of the 2011 Social Grade algorithm – this document explains the approach taken and accuracy achieved, and evaluates the discriminatory power of the approximation in comparison with ‘true’ Social Grade.

The report also includes the exact algorithm applied on the 2011 Census, as a series of syntax rules. This enables users to apply the algorithm to other datasets containing the same variables – however the algorithm’s developers take no responsibility for any results that users produce.

To download this report on the development of the algorithm, including its detailed specification, please click here.

Evaluation at Region Level

The JICPOPS Technical Committee has evaluated Approximate Social Grade at region level in comparison with the National Readership Survey (NRS). To download the evaluation document, please click here