North City in Dublin is the vibrant heart of the north inner city, encompassing lively spots like Stoneybatter and Phibsborough with their indie cafes, craft pubs, and village-like buzz amid red-brick terraces. It's a young, creative hub known for its artistic edge, strong community spirit, and proximity to the city centre, attracting renters, professionals, and a growing LGBT community who love the authentic local vibe. Expect a mix of trendy gastropubs like L. Mulligan Grocer, farmer's markets, and easy walks to Phoenix Park or the Liffey.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
6,749
Census 2022
Owner occupied
8.7%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
680.3
National avg: 54.1
With a compact population of just 6,749, North City is a dense urban pocket where renting dominates at 60% compared to the national 18%, pointing to a transient, young renter's market rather than family ownership. The high crime rate of 680 per 1,000—over 12 times the national average—reflects inner-city challenges, so it's best for those comfortable with urban grit who prioritise buzz over quiet suburbs.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
North City vs national average (%)
North City
National
The youthful profile shines through with only 14.4% under 14 and a tiny 4.7% over 65—far below national averages—creating a dynamic community buzzing with working adults and fewer families or retirees.
Under 14
14.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
4.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
53.0% / 47.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
North City vs National (%)
North City
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This is a hardworking area where 66% are employed above the national rate, but with just 5.9% retired and modest work-from-home at 8.2%, it feels like a hub for city commuters keeping Dublin's economy ticking.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Nearly 38% have third-level education, close to the national average, suggesting a mix of savvy young professionals and creatives who fuel the neighbourhood's indie cafes and cultural scene.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
680.3
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
1157% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
627.1
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Store Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 680.3 per 1,000 — 1158% 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 Store Street Garda subdistrict (population 18,418), which covers North City and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
North City vs National (%)
North City
National
How people travel to work
North City vs National (%)
North City
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Far from car-dependent, over half have no car at 51.3% and driving to work is rare at 4.7%, while 19.1% use public transport—well above average—thanks to excellent LUAS, bus, and rail links right on your doorstep. It's perfect for easy city access without the hassle of parking.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
North City vs National (%)
North City
National
Ethnicity
North City vs National (%)
North City
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
North City vs National (%)
North City
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
7.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'North City' is a modern English name with no direct Irish origin, simply denoting the northern inner city area beyond the Liffey, distinguishing it from the southside in Dublin's historic east-west divide. This straightforward naming echoes the area's working-class roots and urban evolution from medieval times, without the poetic Gaelic flair of places like Sráid an Phiobair (Phibsborough).
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
8.7%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
60.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.6%
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
Almost all homes are flats or apartments at 96.4% with ownership at a low 8.7%, making it a renter's paradise of affordable, compact urban living in bustling blocks near the action.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
50.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
4.9%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
North City vs National (%)
North City
National
Only 50.8% report good or very good health—below the national 82.9%—which might reflect the fast-paced urban lifestyle, higher stress, or demographics, so prioritise self-care amid the excitement.
Other areas in Dublin City
Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay