An index of rurality for England and Wales

Cloke P. J. (1977) An index of rurality for England and Wales, Reg. Studies 11, 41–46. Rurality is defined in terms of selected discriminating variables, from which an index of rurality is formulated using principal components analysis. Distributions of four classifications of rurality are presented and both problematical remote rural areas and those suffering extreme urban pressure are identified. Data generated by the index formulation is found to be both a useful tool for studies involving comparison or contrast between rural areas, and an aid to the possible standardisation of planning solutions in areas with similar problems. An insight is also offered into patterns of rural change and the changing nature of rurality itself.