Ballyboden is a welcoming suburban village nestled at the foot of the Dublin Mountains in South Dublin, blending quiet family homes with easy access to nature spots like Saint Enda’s Park and the Pearse Museum. It's known for its strong community spirit, home to GAA clubs like Ballyboden St. Enda's and Ballyboden Wanderers, and attracts families and professionals who love the mix of 1950s-60s architecture, local schools, and a safe, village-like feel near Rathfarnham. Residents here enjoy a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, with nearby Rathfarnham Castle adding a touch of history.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
5,246
Census 2022
Owner occupied
85.2%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
With a close-knit population of just over 5,200, Ballyboden feels like a stable, family-oriented haven where over 85% of homes are owner-occupied—well above the national average—pointing to long-term residents who value roots. The low crime rate of 34 per 1,000 (compared to the national 54) makes it one of South Dublin's safest spots, ideal for those seeking security and community.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ballyboden vs national average (%)
Ballyboden
National
The balanced age profile, with 18.8% under 14 and 18.3% over 65, paints a picture of a vibrant, multi-generational community full of kids playing in parks and retirees enjoying the mountain walks.
Under 14
18.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
18.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.2% / 51.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ballyboden vs National (%)
Ballyboden
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Ballyboden's economy reflects a professional, balanced workforce where 56.6% are at work, 20.3% retired, and a solid 15.2% work from home—higher than average—suggesting flexible, skilled jobs in a stable environment.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Impressively high third-level education at 57.8% signals a well-educated populace of ambitious professionals and families who prioritise learning, fostering a thoughtful, upwardly mobile community.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
37% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
37.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict, which covers Ballyboden, records a crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 — 37% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict (population 55,667), which covers Ballyboden and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ballyboden vs National (%)
Ballyboden
National
How people travel to work
Ballyboden vs National (%)
Ballyboden
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks (60.8%) drive to work, underscoring some car dependence, but with only 4.5% carless households and handy Dublin Bus routes like 15b, 74, and 161, plus 11.6% using public transport, it's reasonably connected without being overly reliant on the car. The low no-car rate means getting around is straightforward for families.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ballyboden vs National (%)
Ballyboden
National
Ethnicity
Ballyboden vs National (%)
Ballyboden
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ballyboden vs National (%)
Ballyboden
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
48.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Ballyboden comes from the Irish Baile Buadáin, meaning 'Boden's Town' or 'town of the victorious one,' hinting at its ancient roots as a townland in a fertile spot at the Dublin Mountains' base. This nods to its historical rural charm before suburban growth, tying into the area's enduring connection to the land and community.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
85.2%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
9.1%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
3.7%
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 85.2% with just 9.1% renting, the housing is mostly family homes and low-rise developments like Ballyboden Crescent, with few flats at 5.9%, creating a settled, spacious suburban vibe.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
90.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.4%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ballyboden vs National (%)
Ballyboden
National
Exceptional health stats, with 90.6% reporting good or very good health, highlight a fit, active lifestyle boosted by mountain trails, parks, and fresh air that keeps residents thriving.