Swords is the county town of Fingal, a large suburban area on Dublin's east coast that has grown into one of Ireland's largest urban areas. First settled around 560 AD, it sits on two rivers—the Broadmeadow and the Ward—and blends history with modern amenities, offering ancient castles, stately homes, excellent shopping centres, parks, and a strong community feel. The town serves as an ideal base for those working in or visiting Dublin, particularly given its proximity to Dublin Airport.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
40,776
Census 2022
Owner occupied
68.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
44.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 40,776, Swords is a thriving, family-oriented community where home ownership is notably strong at 68.6%—above the national average—and crime rates are significantly lower than the national average at 44.4 per 1,000 residents. This suggests a stable, prosperous neighbourhood where people are choosing to put down roots and raise families.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Swords vs national average (%)
Swords
National
The area has a notably younger demographic profile, with 21.3% of residents under 14 compared to the national average of 19.7%, and only 9.7% over 65, indicating a community in its growth phase with many young families and working-age adults.
Under 14
21.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
9.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.4% / 50.6%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Swords vs National (%)
Swords
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Swords has a particularly strong employment profile, with 64.4% of residents at work—well above the national average of 56.1%—and a relatively low retirement rate of 11.5%, reflecting a dynamic, economically active population.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
With 40.2% of residents holding third-level education, slightly above the national average, Swords attracts and retains a well-educated workforce.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
44.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
44.1
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Swords Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 44.4 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Swords Garda subdistrict (population 66,775), which covers Swords and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Swords vs National (%)
Swords
National
How people travel to work
Swords vs National (%)
Swords
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 58.4% of residents drive to work, Swords benefits from significantly better public transport access than most Irish areas, with 16.8% commuting by public transport compared to the national average of 7.9%—a reflection of its proximity to Dublin and airport connections. This makes it accessible for those who prefer not to rely solely on a car.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Swords vs National (%)
Swords
National
Ethnicity
Swords vs National (%)
Swords
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Swords vs National (%)
Swords
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
34.1%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.2%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Swords derives from the Irish Gaelic 'Sord Cholm Cille,' meaning 'pure,' referring to the holy well of St Columba that still stands at the consecrated grounds on Wells Road. This ancient Christian heritage, dating back to the 6th century, reveals Swords as a place with deep spiritual and historical roots that shaped its development into the vibrant town it is today.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
68.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
20.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
7.3%
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
The housing market is dominated by owner-occupied homes, though private renting is slightly above the national average at 20%, and apartment living is more common here at 15.7% than the national average of 13%, offering diverse housing options for different needs.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
85.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.6%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.7%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Swords vs National (%)
Swords
National
Residents report excellent health outcomes, with 85.7% in good or very good health and notably low car dependency at 10.1%, suggesting an active, health-conscious community.