Definition: Locality

Category: Population censuses

A locality is defined as a distinct population cluster, that is an area defined by population living in neighbouring or contiguous buildings. Such buildings may either:

(a) form a continuous built-up area with a clearly recognisable street formation; or

(b) though not part of such a built-up area, comprise a group of buildings to which a locally recognised place name is uniquely attached; or

(c) though not meeting either of the above two criteria, constitute a group of buildings, none of which is separated from its nearest neighbour by more than 200 metres.

In applying this definition, certain land-use categories shall not be regarded as breaking the continuity of a built-up area. These categories include: industrial and commercial buildings and facilities, public parks, playgrounds and gardens, football fields and other sports facilities, bridged rivers, railway lines, canals, parking lots and other transport infrastructure, churchyards and cemeteries.

LAU 2 regions with a total population of less than 2 000 can be assumed to be one locality.

Inhabitants of a locality are defined as persons having their usual residence in that locality.

A scattered building is to be allocated to the category that represents the number of persons that have their usual residence in the building. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:329:0029:0068:EN:PDF