Blackrock is a charming, affluent seaside suburb in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, just a quick DART ride from Dublin city centre, known for its scenic promenade walks along Dublin Bay, vibrant Blackrock Market on weekends, and lush Blackrock Park with playgrounds and ponds perfect for families. It blends historic Georgian houses like Maretimo and Neptune with a lively village atmosphere of indie cafés, top-notch food spots, and community events, attracting professionals, families, and retirees who love its mix of coastal vibes and urban convenience. You'll feel the buzz of Main Street rejuvenation projects making it even more walkable and cycle-friendly, while residential streets offer quiet, leafy elegance.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
31,152
Census 2022
Owner occupied
67.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
44.3
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 31,152, Blackrock is a substantial yet cohesive suburb where home ownership at 67.6% edges above the national average, pointing to a stable, invested community of long-term residents. The low crime rate of 44.3 per 1,000—below the national 54.1—adds to its appeal as a safe, desirable spot for families and professionals seeking peace by the sea.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Blackrock vs national average (%)
Blackrock
National
The age profile shows a slightly younger-than-average under-14 population at 17% and a higher senior group over 65 at 18.1%, creating a family-friendly community with plenty of kids' energy alongside active retirees enjoying park strolls and seaside dips.
Under 14
17.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
18.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.4% / 52.6%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Blackrock vs National (%)
Blackrock
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Blackrock's economy hums with 55.2% at work and a standout 19.7% working from home—nearly double the national rate—reflecting a professional crowd in tech, finance, or creative fields who value flexibility amid the area's high quality of life.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An impressive 70.4% have third-level education—way above the national 39.2%—suggesting a highly skilled, ambitious community with access to excellent local schools and a culture that prizes learning and innovation.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
44.3
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
44.4
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Blackrock Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 44.3 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Blackrock Garda subdistrict (population 58,199), which covers Blackrock and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Blackrock vs National (%)
Blackrock
National
How people travel to work
Blackrock vs National (%)
Blackrock
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Far less car-dependent than average with only 39.6% driving to work versus 62.4% nationally, Blackrock shines for public transport at 19.9% and cycling thanks to DART links, coastal paths, and village bike lanes. No-car households at 13.3% match the norm, making it easy to hop on the train or pedal to Dublin while enjoying sea breezes.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Blackrock vs National (%)
Blackrock
National
Ethnicity
Blackrock vs National (%)
Blackrock
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Blackrock vs National (%)
Blackrock
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
45.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Blackrock' comes from the Irish An Charraig Dhubh, meaning 'the black rock,' named after a distinctive dark geological formation in Blackrock Park by Dublin Bay that shaped the area's identity. This nod to its rugged coastal landscape tells of a history from 18th-century highway robberies along Blackrock Road to Victorian bathing spots, evolving into today's beloved seaside haven.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
67.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
24.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
3.6%
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
Owner-occupiers dominate at 67.6% with a notable 24.2% renting—higher than average—and 25.1% in flats or apartments, offering a mix of spacious family homes in leafy avenues alongside modern village apartments for young professionals.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
87.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Blackrock vs National (%)
Blackrock
National
Exceptional 87.8% reporting good or very good health—above the 82.9% national average—hints at an active lifestyle fueled by seaside walks, parks, swimming spots like the Forty Foot nearby, and a health-conscious community.