Kimmage is a welcoming, unpretentious south Dublin suburb with a real community feel, known for its leafy green spaces, tidy corporation housing from the mid-20th century, and spots like Kimmage Village for everyday shopping at SuperValu or a pint at the Stone Boat pub. It's home to families, working professionals, and retirees who appreciate the balance of suburban calm just outside the canals yet close enough to the city centre, surrounded by neighbours like Crumlin and Terenure. You'll find a mix of lifelong locals and newcomers drawn to its authentic Dublin character without the hustle.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
15,207
Census 2022
Owner occupied
57.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
51.1
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 15,207, Kimmage feels like a proper neighbourhood rather than a sprawling suburb, boasting slightly lower home ownership at 57.6% compared to the national 65.9% but a safer-than-average crime rate of 51.1 per 1,000 versus 54.1 nationally, suggesting a stable, family-friendly spot where people look out for each other.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Kimmage vs national average (%)
Kimmage
National
Kimmage has fewer young children under 14 at 14.4% against the national 19.7%, but a slightly higher proportion of over-65s at 16.0% versus 15.1%, painting a picture of a mature, settled community with plenty of grandparents and empty-nesters alongside growing families.
Under 14
14.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
16.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.5% / 51.5%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Kimmage vs National (%)
Kimmage
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A strong 58.7% of residents are at work above the national 56.1%, with retirees at 16.1% close to average, indicating a hardworking area where folks are steadily employed and contributing to a vibrant local economy.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education stands at 40.3%, just edging the national 39.2%, which points to a well-educated community likely attracting professionals who value good schools and opportunities for their kids.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
51.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
44.7
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Sundrive Road Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 51.1 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Sundrive Road Garda subdistrict (population 38,347), which covers Kimmage and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Kimmage vs National (%)
Kimmage
National
How people travel to work
Kimmage vs National (%)
Kimmage
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Public transport use is notably high at 16.5% compared to the national 7.9%, making Kimmage well-served and less car-dependent despite 38.1% driving to work; with 28.2% having no car versus 13.4% nationally, it's easy to hop on a bus or Luas to the city without needing wheels every day.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Kimmage vs National (%)
Kimmage
National
Ethnicity
Kimmage vs National (%)
Kimmage
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Kimmage vs National (%)
Kimmage
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
28.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Kimmage comes from the Irish 'Camaigh' or 'Camaigh uisce', meaning 'crooked water-meadow', a nod to the meandering River Poddle that winds through the area. This evokes Kimmage's historic rural roots as boggy, winding lowlands before it grew into a suburb, tying it to Dublin's watery landscape heritage.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
57.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
21.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
15.8%
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-occupiers make up 57.6% with private renters at 21.5% higher than the national 18%, and more flats or apartments at 17.5% versus 13%, offering a mix of family homes, semis, and convenient rentals in a neighbourhood that's affordable yet desirable.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
77.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
11.6%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
17.4%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Kimmage vs National (%)
Kimmage
National
Good or very good health is reported by 77.9% slightly below the national 82.9%, but this active community with its green spaces and local walks suggests residents enjoy a healthy, outdoorsy lifestyle overall.
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