South Dublin is a vibrant blend of bustling suburban neighborhoods and wild, unpopulated mountain stretches, offering the best of city convenience with easy escapes into nature along the Dublin and Wicklow hills. It's distinctive for its mix of modern family homes in places like Tallaght and Clondalkin, alongside green spaces and historic sites, drawing young families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who love its accessibility to Dublin city yet feel of their own community. With 21 local areas spanning 223 square kilometers, it's a welcoming spot for those seeking balance in Leinster's heart.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
301,075
Census 2022
Owner occupied
66.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
106.3
National avg: 54.1
Home to a thriving population of 301,075, South Dublin punches above its weight as Ireland's fourth most populous county, reflecting a desirable place to settle with slightly higher-than-average home ownership at 66.5%. This buzz of economic activity, where 57.8% are at work, signals a dynamic community full of opportunity and stability.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
South Dublin vs national average (%)
South Dublin
National
Under 14
21.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
13.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.9% / 51.1%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
With 21.3% under 14 and just 13.2% over 65, South Dublin has a youthful, family-oriented vibe that's energetic and forward-looking, perfect for building lasting community ties.
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
South Dublin vs National (%)
South Dublin
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A strong 57.8% employment rate tops the national average, with 10.4% working from home, painting a picture of a flexible, resilient workforce thriving in this suburban hub.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Boasting 38.7% with third-level education—just shy of the national 39.2%—residents here are well-equipped for modern careers, fostering innovation and growth.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
South Dublin vs National (%)
South Dublin
National
How people travel to work
South Dublin vs National (%)
South Dublin
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Public transport shines at 14.2%—well above the national 7.9%—making eco-friendly commutes to Dublin city a breeze for many. While work-from-home is solid at 10.4%, the county's Luas lines and bus networks keep everyone connected without the hassle.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
South Dublin vs National (%)
South Dublin
National
Ethnicity
South Dublin vs National (%)
South Dublin
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
South Dublin vs National (%)
South Dublin
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
33.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.2%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
South Dublin's Irish name, *Átha Cliath Theas*, translates to 'South Ford of the Hurdles,' referring to the southern part of the original ford crossing on the River Liffey that gave rise to Dublin (*Baile Átha Cliath*). This nod to its geography highlights the county's historical role as the rural, hilly southern flank of old County Dublin, split in 1994, evoking a landscape of rivers, suburbs, and mountains that shaped its independent character.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
66.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
15.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
13.2%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Owned outright
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Flat/Apartment
Cars per household
No car
Two or more cars
Owner-occupancy at 66.5% edges out the national 65.9%, suggesting a stable housing market favored by families rooting down in semis, detached homes, and apartments across its 21 diverse areas.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Tables 12 self-reported health & smoking
Good or very good health
83.0%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
South Dublin vs National (%)
South Dublin
National
The younger age profile with fewer over-65s and high activity levels points to a healthy, active lifestyle, boosted by mountain trails, parks, and family-focused living.