This section sets out 14 ‘clusters’ of towns which, according to the data, are likely to fulfil each of the 14 respective characteristics identified in Section 3. This clustering helps us to understand patterns of risk and resilience by looking at where, and how many clusters, each of the 862 towns in our index fall into. 

These clusters are not a mutually exclusive taxonomy. Towns can exist on more than one list, and many do. Rather they represent sub- sets of places with shared characteristics. These characteristics could, under certain circumstances, create gaps in resilience or fuel hostility to migration. 

Ultimately we hope that, by understanding the clusters better, we can promote greater joined-up working between towns with shared traits – and can look for national policy solutions tailored to each resilience gap.