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Census 2021 data processing overview

Date published: 05 October 2021

Statistics: Census 2021,  Census 2021 reference materials

Download the Census 2021 data processing overview.

Purpose

This document describes how Census 2021 data processing builds on methods from Census 2011, incorporating best practices from across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. The goal is to produce statistically robust population estimates, adjusted for non-response using a follow-up Census Coverage Survey (CCS).

It provides the aims and key actions for each of the main data processing stages:

  1. Data consolidation
  2. Data transformation
  3. Coverage adjustment
  4. Preparation for outputs

The document outlines a number examples of quality assurance checks that could be applied at each stage of processing.

Documents

  • Census 2021 data processing overview Adobe PDF (65 KB)

Help viewing documents

Last updated: 29 May 2025

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