England and Wales Census 2021 - RM122: Sexual orientation by age and sex

This dataset provides Census 2021 estimates that classify usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales by sexual orientation by age, and by sex. The estimates are as at Census Day, 21 March 2021.

Some sub-populations have age and geographic profiles that may affect the relationships with other variables such as education, employment, health and housing. Take care when using this variable with others. We will publish more detailed commentary and guidance later this year. Read more about this quality notice.

Estimates for single year of age between ages 90 and 100+ are less reliable than other ages. Estimation and adjustment at these ages was based on the age range 90+ rather than five-year age bands. Read more about this quality notice.

Area type

Census 2021 statistics are published for a number of different geographies. These can be large, for example the whole of England, or small, for example an output area (OA), the lowest level of geography for which statistics are produced.

For higher levels of geography, more detailed statistics can be produced. When a lower level of geography is used, such as output areas (which have a minimum of 100 persons), the statistics produced have less detail. This is to protect the confidentiality of people and ensure that individuals or their characteristics cannot be identified.

Coverage

Census 2021 statistics are published for the whole of England and Wales. Data are also available in these geographic types:

  • country - for example, Wales
  • region - for example, London
  • local authority - for example, Cornwall
  • health area – for example, Clinical Commissioning Group
  • statistical area - for example, MSOA or LSOA

Sexual orientation

Classifies people according to the responses to the sexual orientation question. This question was voluntary and was only asked of people aged 16 years and over.

Age (D)

A person’s age on Census Day, 21 March 2021 in England and Wales. Infants aged under 1 year are classified as 0 years of age. The age group are categorised as follows:

  • Aged 15 years and under
  • Aged 16 to 24 years
  • Aged 25 to 34 years
  • Aged 35 to 44 years
  • Aged 45 to 54 years
  • Aged 55 to 64 years
  • Aged 65 to 74 years
  • Aged 75 years and over

Sex

This is the sex recorded by the person completing the census. The options were “Female” and “Male”.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated May 9, 2023, 10:18 (BST)
Created May 9, 2023, 10:18 (BST)
Visibility Public
Year 2021
Topics Demography
Identity
Units Persons
Geographic Layer Counties
Countries
Integrated Care Boards
Local Authorities
Local Health Boards
London Boroughs
Lower Tier Local Authorities
Metropolitan Districts
NHS England Regions
Non-Metropolitan Districts
Regions
Sub Integrated Care Board Locations
Unitary Authorities
Upper Tier Local Authorities
Frequency Decennial
DOI https://doi.org/10.5257/census/aggregate-2021-1
Citation Office for National Statistics; National Records of Scotland; Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency; UK Data Service. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5257/census/aggregate-2021-1
Geographical Coverage Location England and Wales
Granularity Country level down to LTLA
Geographic Spatial data {"geo_type": "polygon", "lat": "52.4036", "lon": "-1.93872", "left": "-6.53687", "top": "55.8275", "right": "1.98853", "bottom": "49.6694", "srid": null, "accuracy": null, "source": null}