ACORN is a geodemographic classification of the UK's population. Increasingly such classifications are used by public service organisations to better understand the needs of people in their communities and engage in successful social marketing.

By analysing significant social factors and population behaviour, Acorn provides precise information and an in-depth understanding of the different types of people in every part of the UK.

A number of research surveys show that one is more likely to find people with particular attitudes or characteristics in distinct Acorn types. For example from the British Crime Survey it is possible to identify:

• Neighbourhoods where residents are more likely than average to have particular fears or anxieties in relation to crime
• Neighbourhoods where residents feel more (or less) safe than average
• Neighbourhoods where residents' quality of life is more likely to be affected by crime, or the fear of crime

Over 200 public sector organisations use CACI data to provide an accurate picture of the needs of their communities.