Ireland Labour Force Data · Census 2022

Unemployment rate in Ireland by area — what Census 2022 shows

Some electoral divisions in Ireland record an unemployment rate above 46% — against a national census rate of 8.3%. Neighbouring EDs can differ widely. The county figure hides all of it. The data is below.

Niall Thomas · 4 min read

Ireland unemployment — Census 2022 overview

National Rate

8.3%

Census 2022 · of labour force

Electoral Divisions

3,420

All mapped

Highest rate

46.5%

St. LAURENCE

Lowest rate

0.0%

ILLION

Source: CSO Census 2022 — Labour Force Classification by Electoral Division across all 3,420 EDs in Ireland.

Census methodology note: the unemployment rate here is the census rate, as defined by the CSO — people unemployed (including those looking for their first job) as a share of the labour force, that is everyone aged 15+ who is at work or unemployed. It can differ from the monthly Labour Force Survey rate, which uses a different survey and reference period. Very high values in specific EDs often reflect small populations.

Unemployment rate by electoral division, Census 2022 Switch to education → Switch to renting →

The national rate hides deep local variation

A national census rate of 8.3% is an average, not a lived reality. Within cities, individual electoral divisions often sit well above that average, and neighbouring EDs can differ sharply. County averages hide all of this.

Areas with the highest unemployment rates

These electoral divisions recorded the highest unemployment rates in Census 2022. High unemployment EDs are concentrated in specific urban areas — not distributed evenly across cities or counties.

Electoral Division	Unemployment Rate
1. St. LAURENCELimerick City	46.5%
2. JOHN'S ALimerick City	33.61%
3. ROSMOYLANRoscommon	28.57%
4. GALVONE BLimerick City	27.12%
5. ARDNAREE SOUTH URBANMayo	25.62%
6. SHORTCOURSEWaterford City	25.5%

Explore unemployment across Ireland →

Areas with the lowest unemployment rates

Electoral divisions with the lowest recorded unemployment in Census 2022. Low unemployment concentrates in commuter belt towns, affluent suburbs, and areas with strong local employment bases.

Electoral Division	Unemployment Rate
1. ILLIONGalway	0%
2. LOUGHBRINKerry	0%
3. BARROOSKYMayo	0%
4. NEALSTOWNLaois	0%
5. KILTORCANKilkenny	0%
6. KILBEHENYLimerick	0.77%

Explore employment rate across Ireland →

Urban concentration is the dominant pattern

High unemployment clusters in specific urban EDs — particular parts of Dublin, Limerick, and Cork city. Rural areas tell a different story: lower headline rates, but higher economic inactivity. Many working-age adults there are not in work and not counted as unemployed.

Unemployment and education track each other

Across Ireland's 3,420 electoral divisions, low third-level attainment and high unemployment go together. Nationally 45% of Irish adults hold a third-level qualification (CSO measure). The EDs furthest below that figure tend to show the highest unemployment rates.

Urban periphery: Outer city estates in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork consistently record the highest unemployment rates.
Rural inactivity: Low unemployment figures in many rural EDs can mask high economic inactivity. Working-age adults not in employment and not seeking work are not counted as unemployed.
Commuter belt: EDs in Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, and Louth record some of the lowest unemployment in Ireland — reflecting Dublin employment access combined with lower land prices.

The gap between the highest and lowest unemployment EDs within a single county can be very large. That is a very different story from the national headline. The map shows that contrast at neighbourhood level.

Map unemployment by area

IrelandInsights shows unemployment rates for every electoral division in Ireland using Census 2022 data. Overlay education, home ownership, and age to see the full picture of any area.

Unemployment map Employment rate Education map

← Where should I live in Ireland? · Education rates →

Data: CSO Census 2022 · Labour Force Classification by Electoral Division · 3,420 Electoral Divisions

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Frequently asked questions

What is the unemployment rate in Ireland according to Census 2022?

Census 2022 recorded a national unemployment rate of 8.3%. This is the CSO census definition: people unemployed or looking for their first job as a share of the labour force (everyone aged 15+ who is at work or unemployed). Individual electoral divisions range from 0.0% to 46.5%.

Which areas of Ireland have the highest unemployment?

Specific urban electoral divisions — particularly in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork — record the highest rates. High unemployment EDs are concentrated in outer city estates and urban periphery areas. IrelandInsights maps the precise rate for all 3,420 EDs based on Census 2022 data.

How does unemployment differ between urban and rural Ireland?

Urban EDs tend to show higher headline unemployment rates, particularly in city periphery estates. Rural EDs often show lower headline unemployment but higher economic inactivity rates — people of working age not in employment and not counted as unemployed. The two patterns require different interpretation.

Where are the lowest unemployment rates in Ireland?

The lowest unemployment rates are found in commuter belt electoral divisions in Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, and Louth, as well as in affluent suburban EDs in south Dublin. These areas combine strong local employment with good access to Dublin city employment.