LSOA Townsend Deprivation Scores; WCfH, 2008

Key Messages

The Townsend deprivation scores are widely used in health research, particularly in academic research. These scores have been calculated as part of a Masters in Public Health dissertation project at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in Newport from unadjusted Census 2001 data (i.e. not subject to random adjustment).

Usually, only adjusted Census data is available and Townsend scores had to be estimated. These 2001 LSOA Townsend deprivation scores are available standardised to Wales separately, England separately and to England and Wales combined. Whilst the calculation has been checked by ONS staff, this is not an official ONS or Wales Centre for Health product release. The scores, however, can be distributed freely.

Briefing paper on Townsend scores methodology

The briefing paper gives further information on the methodology used for its calculation. It also includes a comparison of results when using different overcrowding variables, and between scores using adjusted and unadjusted Census data.
 

Get in touch 

We are always looking to improve on the products we produce to ensure that they are user-friendly. If you have any comments or feedback please get in touch with us by emailing:  publichealthwalesobservatory@wales.nhs.uk