Ballinteer is a welcoming south Dublin suburb in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, known for its family-friendly vibe and post-1960s development of neat semi-detached homes and green spaces, nestled between the Dublin Mountains and the city buzz. It's a place where kids play safely in local parks like Ballinteer Park, families gather at the community centre, and residents pop to the bustling shopping plaza for daily needs or a coffee at the local spots. With its mix of young professionals, established families, and retirees, it feels settled and community-spirited, perfect for those seeking suburban calm just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
15,659
Census 2022
Owner occupied
83.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
32.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 15,659, Ballinteer is a comfortably sized suburb that punches above its weight in stability, boasting an impressive 83.3% home ownership rate far exceeding the national average, suggesting a strong sense of roots and investment in the community. The low crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000—less than two-thirds of the national figure—makes it one of the safer spots in Ireland, ideal for families wanting peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ballinteer vs national average (%)
Ballinteer
National
Ballinteer's age profile skews towards a mature yet vibrant community, with 24.3% over 65 (well above the national 15.1%) and fewer under-14s at 17.5%, painting a picture of settled families alongside active retirees enjoying the area's green spaces.
Under 14
17.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
24.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.0% / 52.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ballinteer vs National (%)
Ballinteer
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Economically, Ballinteer hums with professionals, as 51.8% are at work and a standout 16.9% work from home—higher than the national 11.3%—reflecting flexible, modern careers in a suburb where 26.3% retirees add to the relaxed pace.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Over half of residents (53.1%) hold third-level degrees, well ahead of the national 39.2%, pointing to a highly skilled, ambitious community that's drawn educated families and professionals to its quality schools and upwardly mobile atmosphere.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
32.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
40% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
33.9
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Dundrum Garda subdistrict, which covers Ballinteer, records a crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000 — 40% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Dundrum Garda subdistrict (population 82,700), which covers Ballinteer and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ballinteer vs National (%)
Ballinteer
National
How people travel to work
Ballinteer vs National (%)
Ballinteer
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 53.5% drive to work, Ballinteer isn't overly car-dependent thanks to solid public options—15.2% use public transport (double the national average) and only 8.6% have no car, with the LUAS tram and buses making city commutes straightforward. Proximity to the M50 keeps drives efficient for those heading further afield.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ballinteer vs National (%)
Ballinteer
National
Ethnicity
Ballinteer vs National (%)
Ballinteer
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ballinteer vs National (%)
Ballinteer
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
46.1%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
2.2%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Ballinteer' comes from the Irish 'Baile an tSaoir', meaning 'town of the carpenter' or 'home of the craftsman', hinting at its historical roots in skilled trades amid the rural landscape before suburban growth. This nod to craftsmanship reflects the area's transformation from quiet farmland to a well-built, enduring community tucked into the gentle hills south of Dublin.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
83.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
9.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
4.0%
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
Dominantly owner-occupied at 83.3% with low private renting at 9.7%, the housing mix favours spacious family homes like semis and bungalows over flats (just 11.1%), creating stable neighbourhoods where people put down roots for the long haul.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ballinteer vs National (%)
Ballinteer
National
An exceptional 88.8% report good or very good health—beating the national 82.9%—suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by nearby parks, mountain walks, and the fresh air of this green suburb.