The development of a 'Postcode Best Fit' methodology for producing population estimates for different geographies.

A 'Postcode Best Fit' methodology has been developed by the Office for National Statistics to produce population estimates for a range of different geographies which are entirely consistent with each other, regardless of whether or not the estimates for one geography can be aggregated to produce estimates for another geography. This article describes the Postcode Best Fit methodology, its evaluation, limitations with some of the data sources used with the method, the application of the method for producing population estimates and case studies describing how the method has been used to produce bespoke population estimates to meet specific user requirements.