Socioeconomic Index for Small Areas (SEISA) data, maps and postcode search tool

HESA’s experimental UK-wide small area measure of deprivation provided in accessible formats for data users.

View SEISA interactive maps and postcode search tool

The Socioeconomic Index for Small Areas (SEISA) uses Census 2011 data about the qualifications and occupation of residents of small areas. Compared to the Indices of Deprivation, SEISA is based on smaller-sized areas and tends to capture a greater proportion of deprivation in rural areas.

Interactive maps for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are now available on the HESA website. The SEISA dataset that underpins the maps is available to download as open data and a detailed technical report describes the derivation of the measure.

SEISA is released as an ‘Official statistic under development’ and HESA is keen to hear feedback from users about the utility of the maps and data. An updated version of SEISA is expected to be released when results of the Scottish 2022 Census are published.

Tej Nathwani, Principal Researcher (Economist) at HESA, said;

“Our mission is to disseminate statistics for the public good. As our research has shown, area-level indicators continue to play an important role in ensuring there is equal opportunity for all. Today, we are therefore publishing HESA’s new area-based measure of deprivation, the Socioeconomic Index for Small Areas (SEISA), in the form of an interactive map, which data users can freely access via our website to support their work and activities.

Notes

• HESA’s measure of deprivation was first announced in October 2021
• HESA is part of Jisc. Jisc is the data controller of personal data previously controlled by HESA. Privacy information on the HESA website has been updated.
• Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived from the data by third parties.