Every data point on TownData.co.uk comes directly from official UK government sources. We never use estimates, third-party aggregators or unverified data. Here is a full breakdown of each source we use.
What we use it for: Population figures, demographic breakdowns, employment rates, average salaries, area measurements.
Update frequency: Census data every 10 years; annual estimates updated each year.
Source: ons.gov.uk
What we use it for: Average house prices by property type, annual price changes, number of sales.
Update frequency: Monthly (Price Paid data published approximately 6 weeks after transaction).
Source: landregistry.data.gov.uk
What we use it for: School inspection ratings (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate), school type and phase, links to individual inspection reports.
Update frequency: Updated after each new inspection (typically 1–5 years per school).
Source: reports.ofsted.gov.uk
What we use it for: Crime counts by category, crime rate per 1,000 residents, comparison with national average.
Update frequency: Monthly (approximately 3 months in arrears).
Source: data.police.uk
What we use it for: Average broadband download speeds, superfast coverage (30 Mbps+), ultrafast coverage (100 Mbps+), full-fibre (FTTP) availability, 4G mobile coverage.
Update frequency: Annual (Connected Nations report, usually published May/June).
Source: ofcom.org.uk
What we use it for: GP surgery locations and patient numbers, NHS Trust information, hospital locations.
Update frequency: Monthly (GP registration data).
Source: digital.nhs.uk
What we use it for: Air quality index, flood risk ratings, green space percentage.
Update frequency: Annual (air quality); continuously (flood risk maps).
Source: Environment Agency / DEFRA
What we use it for: Monthly average temperatures, annual rainfall, annual sunshine hours, climate type.
Update frequency: 30-year climate averages (updated decennially).
Source: metoffice.gov.uk
Our area scorecard ratings are calculated by TownData.co.uk using a weighted formula applied to the official data above. They are our own analysis and should be treated as a guide rather than a definitive ranking.