--- title: Parish data and comparison tool date: 2026-07-14T14:29:00+01:00 author: Jonny Kates canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/resources/parish-data-and-comparison-tool" section: Pages --- --- # Parish data and comparison tool Who lives in your community and what are the challenges they face? Our interactive tool will help you understand your community and know where to act. ![Aerial view of houses in Chiswick, a leafy London suburb with a village feel, UK](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_576x324_crop_center-center_82_none/Look-Up-Tool-assets-2024-1650-x-1114.jpg?v=1787054188) ## How the tool can help Every community and parish has needs that aren’t always visible and it can be hard to know where to start to make a meaningful difference. Our free-to-use Parish data and comparison tool gives you clear data about poverty, housing, education and more in your local area, so you can make a grounded case for action and ensure projects and initiatives are targeted and effective. - See the picture clearly Explore deprivation data for your area and understand how it compares within your diocese and nationally. - Make the case for change Use data to inform conversations with your leadership team, congregation or community group. Build the evidence base for your funding applications, local advocacy and partnership conversations. - Find your next step Discover what others in similar communities have done, and find the resources, courses and networks that can help you move from understanding to action. ## Find your parish Search by parish name or full postcode to view its profile and deprivation data. ### Compare with another parish Sign in or register for free to compare your parish with another parish in your diocese or elsewhere in England [Sign in](https://cuf.org.uk/user/login?returnTo=%2Fresources%2Fparish-data-and-comparison-tool) [Register for free](https://cuf.org.uk/user/signup?resource=parishDataAndComparisonTool&returnTo=%2Fresources%2Fparish-data-and-comparison-tool) ![Happy woman smiling in grey jumper at St Mary Magdalene Church community cafe](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_356x356_crop_center-center_82_none/St-Mary-Magdalene-Church-Magdalen-Square-Gorleston-NR31-7BZ-11.3.26-4540-x-3027.jpg?v=1787133157) ‘It helps us to identify the areas of strength and the areas where there is more need, and then shaping the sorts of activities we offer.’ Anna, Community and Discipleship Lead, St Mary Magdalene Church Gorleston [ Read case study ](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/case-study) ## From data to understanding Poverty is rarely just about money. It affects people’s sense of identity, their relationships and their access to the resources they need to thrive. Understanding the data in your area means understanding the interconnected challenges that can make it hard for people to flourish, and then recognising that the most powerful responses are often relational as much as practical. Where does the data come from? The tool’s data is provided by Data Services at the Church of England. There are three key data sources used: 1. Index of Multiple Deprivation (2025) 2. Census data (2021) 3. Church of England Parish Boundaries (as per date of the update) What is a parish and diocese? Every area of England is part of a Church of England parish, with a local church\*. There are more than 12,000 parishes across England. Parishes are grouped into 42 dioceses across the Church of England. \*Some parishes have more than one Church of England church. 1. 1 Plan your responseUse your results to shape conversations with your leadership team or PCC, develop a project vision, and identify where you might need to do more listening and research in your community. 2. 2 Apply for fundingMany funders ask you to evidence the need your project addresses. Your tool results give you the data to do that – and our [project planning and fundraising guide](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/project-planning) can help you build the rest of your application. 3. 3 Connect and advocateUse your data to start conversations with your diocese, local authority or community partners about priorities, resources and where you can work together most effectively. ## Ready to go further [ All resources ](https://cuf.org.uk/resources) Explore our range of free resources and local networks to help you move from insight to action – whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow what you’re already doing. - ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/WJ-CUF-240626-63.jpg?v=1787219567) ### [Asset Based Community Development](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/abcd-guide) Find out more about an asset based approach to community development. - ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/WJ-030325-21.jpg?v=1789721542) ### [Explore Near Neighbours](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours) Near Neighbours is a national programme working in some of England’s most diverse neighbourhoods. We bring people together to build trust, strengthen local leadership, and help communities improve the places they call home.