Can I compare 2001 Census data with 1991 Census data?
Any comparisons with 1991 data must be treated with great caution since there are many differences in definitions and methodology between the 2001 and 1991 censuses; for example, in 2001 residents were counted at their usual place of residence rather than where they happened to be staying on Census night, as in 1991. Also, in 2001 students were counted at their term-time address rather than ‘home’ address as in 1991. Additionally, changes in geographic boundaries may mean that areas with the same name relate to very different boundaries and are not comparable. This is particularly important when comparing ward data since the boundaries of most wards in Bedfordshire changed between 1991 and 2001 censuses though the name of the ward may not have changed.
