Lower-layer Super Output Area (LSOA)

Definition

A Lower-layer Super Output Area (LSOA) is a small geographic unit used for statistical analysis in England and Wales. LSOAs were introduced by the ONS (Office for National Statistics) for the Census and are designed to contain a consistent population size, typically around 1,000-3,000 residents or 400-1,200 households.

Also known as

Small-area census geography

Relevance to OCSI

LSOAs are essential for place-based data analysis and many datasets are published at this level. This geography type is notably used in the English Indices of Deprivation (IMD) and Community Needs Index.

Related links and examples


Author


Featured posts

Indices of Deprivation

How to identify the most deprived neighbourhoods within a larger region

For charities, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is one of the…
More

Indices of Deprivation

How to use the IMD in funding bids

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is one of the most commonly…
More

Indices of Deprivation

IMD deciles explained

If you work with deprivation data, you have probably seen places described…
More

Case studies
Data analysis
Featured
Indices of Deprivation
left behind neighbourhoods
OCSI news
Research Projects
Resources and data
Uncategorized