Foxrock is a leafy, affluent suburb on Dublin's southside, known for its grand detached homes, quiet tree-lined roads like Brighton and Torquay, and a charming village centre with cafes and the historic Foxrock station. It's home to professionals, families, and retirees who value its serene garden suburb vibe, established in the 1850s by the Fox and Bentley families, and has attracted notables like Samuel Beckett born here and Jerry Lee Lewis who once lived on Westminster Road. With low crime and spots like Beckett Green for heritage walks, it feels safe, elegant, and community-focused.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
12,163
Census 2022
Owner occupied
86.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
26.9
National avg: 54.1
Foxrock's population of 12,163 forms a stable, close-knit community in this desirable Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown suburb, where an impressive 86.5% home ownership rate far exceeds the national 65.9%, pointing to long-term residents invested in the area. The very low crime rate of 26.9 per 1,000—half the national average of 54.1—makes it one of Dublin's safest spots, ideal for families seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Foxrock vs national average (%)
Foxrock
National
With 18.5% under 14 and a higher-than-average 22.3% over 65, Foxrock has a balanced, family-friendly community enriched by active retirees and plenty of children, creating a welcoming, multi-generational feel.
Under 14
18.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
22.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.8% / 52.2%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Foxrock vs National (%)
Foxrock
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Foxrock's economic character reflects affluence and flexibility, with 51% at work, a high 22.1% retired, and 20% working from home—well above national averages—suggesting well-off professionals enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An extraordinary 66.6% have third-level education compared to the national 39.2%, indicating a highly skilled, professional populace that values learning and likely contributes to the area's prosperous, cultured atmosphere.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
26.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
50% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
24.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Cabinteely Garda subdistrict, which covers Foxrock, records a crime rate of 26.9 per 1,000 — 50% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Cabinteely Garda subdistrict (population 46,548), which covers Foxrock and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Foxrock vs National (%)
Foxrock
National
How people travel to work
Foxrock vs National (%)
Foxrock
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 54.9% drive to work, Foxrock isn't overly car-dependent thanks to just 3.8% having no car and a solid 12.9% using public transport above the national average, with easy N11 access, nearby DART, and Luas Green Line options to Dublin city. The 20% working from home further reduces daily traffic.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Foxrock vs National (%)
Foxrock
National
Ethnicity
Foxrock vs National (%)
Foxrock
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Foxrock vs National (%)
Foxrock
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
48.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Foxrock' translates from the Irish Carraig an tSionnaigh, meaning 'rock of the fox,' evoking the area's natural history of rocky landscapes and wildlife in this once-rural south Dublin spot. Developed in the 1850s from estate lands, the name hints at its origins as a wild, fox-inhabited terrain transformed into an elegant suburb.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
86.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
9.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
0.7%
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 86.5% with low 9.2% private renting, the housing mix favours spacious family homes and villas over the national average of flats at just 5.3%, embodying its garden suburb heritage.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
89.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
7.6%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Foxrock vs National (%)
Foxrock
National
Exceptional 89.8% reporting good or very good health—higher than the national 82.9%—suggests a healthy, active lifestyle bolstered by green spaces, low stress, and affluent living.