Lusk is a charming, growing village in north County Dublin, blending historic roots with modern suburban appeal—think ancient round towers and monastic ruins alongside family homes and new estates. It's known for its welcoming community vibe, green spaces, and proximity to the M1 motorway, making it popular with young families commuting to Dublin. Residents are a mix of professionals, families, and retirees who enjoy the quiet countryside feel just 25km from the city centre.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
8,806
Census 2022
Owner occupied
71.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
53.2
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 8,806, Lusk is a small but thriving community where home ownership at 71.1% beats the national average, suggesting stability and family roots. The crime rate of 53.2 per 1,000 is slightly below the national 54.1, pointing to a safe, peaceful spot for settling down.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Lusk vs national average (%)
Lusk
National
Lusk buzzes with young energy, boasting 26.8% under 14—well above the national 19.7%—and just 6.6% over 65 compared to 15.1% nationally, creating a vibrant, family-oriented community full of kids and active parents.
Under 14
26.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
6.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.0% / 51.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Lusk vs National (%)
Lusk
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Lusk's economy reflects a hardworking, employed populace with 63.5% at work versus the national 56.1%, a solid 12% working from home, and low retirement at 7.7%, indicating a dynamic mix of local jobs and remote professionals.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
With 40.6% holding third-level education—edging out the national 39.2%—Lusk attracts ambitious, skilled residents who value learning and likely contribute to its progressive community spirit.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
53.2
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
55.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Lusk Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 53.2 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Lusk Garda subdistrict (population 21,457), which covers Lusk and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Lusk vs National (%)
Lusk
National
How people travel to work
Lusk vs National (%)
Lusk
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks drive to work at 62.2%, similar to national trends, but Lusk stands out with 14.1% using public transport—nearly double the 7.9% average—and only 6% without a car. It's handy for DART and bus links to Dublin, though still car-friendly for rural errands.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Lusk vs National (%)
Lusk
National
Ethnicity
Lusk vs National (%)
Lusk
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Lusk vs National (%)
Lusk
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
36.3%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.0%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Lusk' comes from the Irish 'Lusmagh', meaning 'ship plain' or 'herb field', hinting at its ancient maritime or fertile landscape ties near the coast. This nods to Lusk's deep history as a Viking-era settlement and early Christian site with its iconic round tower, anchoring its identity in Ireland's storied past.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
71.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
13.8%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
9.8%
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
Predominantly owner-occupied at 71.1% with low private renting at 13.8%, Lusk favours family houses over the national apartment trend—just 5.7% flats versus 13%—offering spacious, settled living.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
85.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.7%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Lusk vs National (%)
Lusk
National
Excellent health is the norm here, with 85.9% reporting good or very good health above the 82.9% national average, paired with low no-car households at 6%, suggesting active, mobile lifestyles.