Lower Layer Super Output Area


Lower Layer Super Output Area is a geospatial statistical unit used in England and Wales to facilitate the reporting of small area statistics. They are part of the ONS coding system created by the Office for National Statistics. They have a minimum population of 1000 with a mean size of 1,500. They consist of contiguous Output Areas, generally containing between four and six of these. In turn, contiguous LSOAs in groups of are organised into Middle Layer Super Output Areas.
LSOAs do not always align with parish boundaries. The ONS links the data of LSOAs to any parishes they may intersect.
Note that the standard abbreviation is LSOA and not LLSOA, although the latter is sometimes accidentally used in referring to these areas.