Where should you live in Ireland?

Ireland has 3,420 electoral divisions across 26 counties. Employment rates range from under 30% to over 90% within 20km in some areas. Here is what Census 2022 shows — at the most granular level available.

Ireland at a glance — Census 2022

The metrics that predict area quality

Most "best places to live" articles pick a handful of towns based on vibes. This is what the census data actually lets you measure:

• Employment rate — the proportion of working-age adults in employment. Higher means a stronger local economy and more job proximity.
• Education level — third-level qualification rate. Strong predictor of area trajectory and service quality.
• Rental vs ownership split — high rental proportion signals transient population, higher demand pressure, and higher costs. High ownership signals settled communities.
• Population density — urban density determines commute times, amenity access, and green space tradeoffs.
• Unemployment rate — a direct signal of economic stress in the area.
• Median age — tells you whether an area is family-oriented, youthful, or ageing — relevant for schools, services, and community character.

Areas with the highest employment rates

These electoral divisions had the highest employment rates in Census 2022. Employment rate = share of working-age population in employment.

Areas with the highest third-level education rates

Share of residents with a third-level qualification. Closely correlated with income levels and area development.

Areas with the lowest unemployment

Electoral divisions with the lowest unemployment rates nationally — indicators of economic health at hyperlocal level.

Compare areas by county

Every county has a detailed data profile — population trends, education levels, housing tenure, and economic indicators broken down to electoral division level.