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All cities in this tool, and across Centre for Cities work, are measured by their Primary Urban Area. This means that not all cities will be measured on a single local authority, but based on the whole built-up area, reflecting the functioning economy of that city. A full breakdown of each PUA can be found here.
For each indicator, the source is displayed below the chart or map.
Strong city economies depend on the dynamism of businesses and entrepreneurs. The number of businesses in a city and the rates at which new businesses are starting up are key indicators of the health of a city economy.
Business churn rate
The difference between business start-ups and business closures as a percentage of the total number of businesses in the city.
Business closures
The number of businesses closing in that city, per 10,000 people.
Business starts
The number of new businesses started in that city, per 10,000 people.
Business stock
The number of businesses across the city for every 10,000 people.
GVA per worker
A measurement of the productivity of workers in a city.
Patents granted
The patents registered in that city per 100,000 people. Note, this is used as a proxy to measure innovation. Service-based trademarks and process innovations are not counted here.
Population Aged 0-19
Proportion of the population aged 0-19 using Census Data
Population Aged 20-29
Proportion of the population aged 20-29 using Census Data
Population Aged 30-44
Proportion of the population aged 30-44 using Census Data
Population Aged 45-64
Proportion of the population aged 45-64 using Census Data
Population Aged 65+
Proportion of the population aged 65+ using Census Data
Proportion of Population Born Outside the UK
Proportion of the population not born in the United Kingdom
Exports per job
The value of exports by job within a city
Goods exports per job
The value of goods exports by job within a city
Services exports per job
The value of services exports by job within a city
House prices
Current mean house price in each city
Housing stock
Total housing stock.
Proportion of Households who Own or Part Own their Home
The percentage of people who own or partly own their home using Census Data
Proportion of Households Renting Privately or Live Rent-Free
The percentage of people who rent privately or live rent free using Census Data
Proportion of Households in Social Rentership
The percentage of people who rent a social or council home using Census Data
Manufacturing
The number of jobs in manufacturing as a percentage of total jobs in the city.
Other private services
The total number of service jobs minus public and KIBS jobs as a percentage of total jobs in the city.
Other sectors
The total number of jobs in sectors not mentioned in the four other indicators.
Private knowledge intensive Business Services
The number of knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) jobs in the city as percentage of the total jobs. KIBS jobs tend to have high skill requirements.
Public services
The number of jobs in public services as a percentage of total jobs in the city.
Employment rate
The percentage of people employed in that city as a proportion of the total working age population.
Claimant Count
The percentage of people claiming out of work benefits as a proportion of the total working age population. Latest data includes both Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit where this has been taken up.
Private sector jobs
The proportion of private sector jobs in a city. The private sector is defined as all jobs minus those in public administration and defence, education and health.
Ratio of private to public sector employment
The ratio of private to public sector jobs in a city. Public sector refers here to all public services including all health services, education and public administration.
Youth Claimant Count
The proportion of 16-24 year olds claiming out of work benefits. Latest data includes both Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit where this has been taken up.
Average weekly earnings
The average weekly wage of workers in current prices.
Average weekly earnings, 2012 prices
The average weekly wage in 2012 prices.
Working age population with no formal qualifications
The proportion of the working age population with no formal qualifications.
Working age population with NVQ4+ qualifications
The proportion of the working age population with NVQ4 (degree level qualifications) and higher.
Population
The number of people within the city (PUA)
GVA
The total Gross Value Added (GVA) for the city. GVA is a measure of economic output for a city.
Jobs
The total number of jobs in the city.
C02 emissions
The total carbon dioxide emissions per capita.
Workers that Travel to Work by bus, train or metro
Proportion of the working population that travel to work via public transport using Census Data
Workers that Travel to Work by Private Vehicle
Proportion of the working population that travel to work by car, van or taxi using Census Data
Workers that Travel to Work by Bicycle
Proportion of the working population that travel to work by bicycle using Census Data
Workers that Travel to Work on Foot
Proportion of the working population that travel to work on foot using Census Data
Workers Mainly Working from Home
Proportion of the working population that work mainly from home using Census Data
Note that this data was prepared for Cities Outlook 2016 and will not be updated annually.
Total Welfare Spend
The amount spent on welfare in the city, all data in 2014 prices.
Welfare Bill per Capita
Real per capital welfare spend within a city, all data in 2014 prices.