Which groups were affected most by under-enumeration?

Based on a relatively small sample size, the 1991 CVS could provide only a limited breakdown of the national undercount. However, it is clear that certain groups were more prone to undercount than others, notably:

• Young people (aged 20-29) especially men living in inner cities (undercount for this group averages around 20% in city districts). Reasons include difficulty in gaining access because of lifestyle and multi-occupied housing.
• Babies (under 14 months) Reasons include being in hospital on census day and being left off forms by parents
• The elderly, especially women living alone. Reasons include difficulties answering door and completing a form.
• Students. Reasons include confusion over whether resident at parent's or term-time address
• Ethnic minorities. Reasons include language differences and suspicion over the census

(taken from ONS Factsheet 4: Counting Everyone In, The Big Challenge) [Note: This link opens in a new window]