Taxonomic methods are used to describe and classify complex socio-economic phenomena expressed by the numerous set of variables. These methods give different results despite the approved uniform set of initial research features. The aim of the paper was to present the results of classification of Małopolska province districts using three taxonomic methods and to evaluate the performed division. The set of variables defining conditions of socio-economic development was taken to the surveys. Three taxonomic methods – spatial taxonomy, Ward’s agglomerative method and Czekanowski’s method – were submitted for evaluation. Standards of measurement to evaluate units’ classification i.e. individual ones, of homogeneity and heterogeneity calculated for clusters separated as a result of the analysis and also standards of measurement of clusters’ correctness were used for evaluation. Calculations were performed in the programme Numerical Taxonomy (in Polish: Taksonomia Numeryczna). The descriptive-reference method as well as the logical analysis were used in the paper. The best indexes of homogeneity that evidence of correct classification’s performing were obtained in case of the Ward’s method. The condition of heterogeneity was best fulfilled in case of the method of spatial taxonomy. The weakest classification standards both telling of homogeneity and heterogeneity were obtained after using the Czekanowski’s method. Performed surveys confirmed the best efficiency in case of the Ward’s method.