Palmerston West is a friendly, settled suburb in South Dublin along the River Liffey, known for its charming village core straddling the old Lucan Road with historic spots like Robin Villas labourers' cottages and the old national school turned community centre. It's a place of mid-20th century housing estates like Redcow Farm and Glenaulin Park, home to local GAA clubs, shops, and parks, offering a quiet community feel just 7km from Dublin city centre near the M50 and N4 junction. Families and retirees thrive here amid green spaces and everyday amenities, blending rural heritage with suburban convenience.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
7,323
Census 2022
Owner occupied
65.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
151.1
National avg: 54.1
With a close-knit population of 7,323, Palmerston West mirrors the national home ownership rate at 65%, suggesting a stable, family-oriented community of long-term residents who value roots over frequent moves. While private renting is low at 8.7%, the crime rate of 151.1 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average of 54.1, so it's wise to check local updates and stay vigilant, but the area's strong community spirit helps keep things in check.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Palmerston West vs national average (%)
Palmerston West
National
The age profile shows a slightly younger vibe than average with 17.3% under 14 compared to 19.7% nationally, balanced by 15.6% over 65 just above the 15.1% norm, painting a picture of lively family life alongside a supportive retiree presence.
Under 14
17.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.3% / 51.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Palmerston West vs National (%)
Palmerston West
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Palmerston West has a solid working community where 50.9% are employed, though slightly below the national 56.1%, with 15.4% retired and a modest 6.5% working from home, reflecting traditional local jobs and some post-pandemic shifts.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education stands at 25.3%, below the national 39.2%, indicating a practical, hands-on community with strong trade skills and local schooling rather than a highly academic profile.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
151.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
179% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
154.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Ronanstown Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 151.1 per 1,000 — 180% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Ronanstown Garda subdistrict (population 24,441), which covers Palmerston West and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Palmerston West vs National (%)
Palmerston West
National
How people travel to work
Palmerston West vs National (%)
Palmerston West
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks drive to work at 56.9%, close to the national 62.4%, making it somewhat car-dependent, but public transport use is a standout 17% well above the 7.9% average thanks to handy bus links along the N4 and proximity to the M50. With 14.9% having no car, slightly over the norm, walking to local shops or parks is common too.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Palmerston West vs National (%)
Palmerston West
National
Ethnicity
Palmerston West vs National (%)
Palmerston West
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Palmerston West vs National (%)
Palmerston West
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
25.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.1%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Palmerston West, or Baile Phámar in Irish meaning 'town of the palm bearer' or pilgrim, nods to its history tied to palm-bearing pilgrims crossing the ancient Lucan Road bridge over the Liffey en route to holy sites. This evokes a landscape of river valleys and old highways, hinting at Palmerston West's roots as a welcoming wayside village for travellers in medieval times.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
65.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
8.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
20.5%
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
Dominantly owner-occupied at 65% with low renting at 8.7%, the housing is mostly family homes and semis rather than the national 13% flats/apartments, fostering that settled, suburban feel in estates like Woodfarm Acres.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
79.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
16.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Palmerston West vs National (%)
Palmerston West
National
Good or very good health is reported by 79.2%, a touch under the 82.9% national average, suggesting a healthy active lifestyle boosted by parks like Glenaulin and Palmerston Park, though perhaps with some room for more wellness focus.