Rathowen is a small, quiet village in County Westmeath situated on the N4 national route, positioned conveniently between Mullingar (20 km southeast) and Longford Town (20 km northwest). It's a rural community with a distinctly car-dependent character, where families and retirees make up a significant portion of the population, and where traditional Irish values remain strong. The village has a peaceful, countryside feel with strong community roots, though it's small enough that amenities are limited locally.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
187
Census 2022
Owner occupied
50.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
14.0
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 187 residents, Rathowen is genuinely tiny — a close-knit rural village where everyone knows their neighbours. The 50% owner-occupancy rate is notably below the national average, reflecting a higher proportion of renters (24.3% vs 18% nationally), which suggests a more transient population or younger households establishing themselves. The crime rate of 14 per 1,000 is exceptionally low — less than a quarter of the national average — making this one of the safest places in Ireland.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rathowen vs national average (%)
Rathowen
National
The community skews slightly older than the national average, with 15.5% over 65 and a notably higher retirement rate (17.1% vs 15.9% nationally), though there's also a healthy proportion of young families with 21.9% under 14.
Under 14
21.9%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.3% / 49.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rathowen vs National (%)
Rathowen
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Employment is slightly below the national average at 49.3%, and the area is heavily car-dependent for work, with 72.2% driving to work compared to 62.4% nationally — reflecting limited public transport options and a dispersed rural economy where remote work (6.9%) and retirement are common.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education attainment at 20.3% is significantly below the national average of 39.2%, suggesting a community with more traditional, practical skills-based backgrounds rather than university-educated professionals.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
14.0
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
74% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
15.8
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Ballynacargy Garda subdistrict, which covers Rathowen, records a crime rate of 14.0 per 1,000 — 74% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Ballynacargy Garda subdistrict (population 3,000), which covers Rathowen and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rathowen vs National (%)
Rathowen
National
How people travel to work
Rathowen vs National (%)
Rathowen
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is unquestionably a car-dependent area — 72.2% of workers drive, and public transport usage is minimal at just 1.4% compared to 7.9% nationally. The village's location on the N4 helps with regional connectivity, but local public transport is essentially non-existent, so a car is essential for daily life.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rathowen vs National (%)
Rathowen
National
Ethnicity
Rathowen vs National (%)
Rathowen
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rathowen vs National (%)
Rathowen
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
30.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
—%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Rathowen's Irish name, Ráth Eoghain, means 'Eoghan's ringfort' — a rath being an ancient Irish hill fort or fortified residence. This reveals the area's deep historical roots, suggesting it was an important settlement in medieval times, and the name preserves the memory of a local chieftain or landowner named Eoghan. The landscape itself likely still reflects these ancient patterns of settlement and land use.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
50.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
24.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
12.9%
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
The housing stock is entirely traditional — there are zero apartments or flats (compared to 13% nationally) — meaning the area consists exclusively of detached and semi-detached houses, which is typical of rural Ireland and reflects a family-oriented, suburban-rural character.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
75.4%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
16.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
24.6%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rathowen vs National (%)
Rathowen
National
Health outcomes are slightly below the national average at 75.4% reporting good or very good health (vs 82.9% nationally), which may reflect the older demographic profile and rural lifestyle factors.