Based on recent Central Statistics Office (CSO) data for disposable income, Donegal, Longford, and Laois consistently rank among Ireland's poorest counties, often appearing as the lowest in per capita income, though their exact ranking can shift slightly year to year, with Longford and Laois sometimes being lower than Donegal depending on the specific report. These counties, primarily in the Midlands and Border regions, have incomes significantly below the national average, contrasting with wealthier areas around Dublin and Cork.
The highest poverty risk is found in Donegal, Leitrim and Mayo and the lowest in the counties around Dublin. However, there is considerable diversity within administrative planning regions. Louth and Sligo, for instance, show much lower relative poverty risk than the other counties in the Border region.
The administrative county with the highest gross household income in Ireland in 2022 was Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, with a median gross income of €84,991 and a mean of €122,615. After the deduction of income tax, USC and PRSI, the median net household income of this area was €66,950, and the mean net was €84,382.
Donegal continues to be the poorest in terms of disposable income per capita, it accounts for €19,253 per person and 21% below the state average.
The most deprived areas in such counties as Meath (Kells), Kildare (Athy), Monaghan (Clones), Tipperary (Tipperary town east), Waterford (Larchville in Waterford city), Wicklow (Carnew), Louth (Dundalk), Cavan (Cavan town), Longford (Longford town) and Westmeath (Mullingar) are their larger towns.
Pearse Street
Perhaps surprisingly, Pearse Street Garda station in Dublin's south inner city is at the centre of Ireland's most crime-ridden district.
Dublin accounts for more than two-thirds of all homelessness in Ireland, a new report from Focus Ireland says.
Coming out as number one as the most affordable county to live in Ireland is County Leitrim. According to the study, the average home in Leitrim sold for €186,487, requiring a minimum deposit of €18,649. This figure falls significantly below the national average of €29,108.
Newbridge had the lowest rate of recorded crime per 1,000 people in 2022, giving it the top spot as the safest place to live. Top 5 safest places to live and work: Newbridge. Cobh.
Donegal - "The Forgotten County" or "The County of the Gaels" Donegal is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way. The word 'wild' is often used to describe the scenic masterpiece that is Donegal.
According to the Ireland Liveability Index, Waterford is the best county to live in on account of it being one of sunniest counties in the country, having reasonably priced housing, and being in the top 10 most scenic counties.
For most people, a household salary of €100,000 would put a family in the category of “rich”. And if you earned that last year, you were among the top 6.6pc of employees, Revenue figures show. The average gross pay for a PAYE worker nationwide was €42,100 in 2024, while the Dublin average was €49,500.
Dalkey. Dalkey is home to many property millionaires, with over 600 individuals owning homes in the area valued in the millions. The neighborhood's appeal lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its privacy and close proximity to Dublin city, just a short drive or DART train ride away.
Housing was seen as the most important issue facing the Republic of Ireland as of 2025, with 64 percent of respondents placing it as one of the top two issues facing the country.
At-risk of poverty or income poverty means earning less than 60% of the national median income. For a single adult in 2024, this threshold was €346 per week. Basic or enforced deprivation occurs when someone can't afford at least two of 11 essentials, like nutritious food, adequate heating, or suitable clothing.
The cheapest housing in Ireland is found in a group of counties to the north and west. Dublin and its neighbouring counties – Wicklow, Kildare and Meath are the most expensive counties.
Ennis named 'Ireland's Friendliest Place' at AIBMS Retail Excellence Awards 2022. Ennis, County Clare, known as the 'Boutique Capital of Ireland', was officially named 'Ireland's Friendliest Place' at the AIBMS Retail Excellence Awards ceremony at the Galmont Hotel, Galway, on Saturday, 12th November.
2. High Cost of Living. Ireland, particularly cities like Dublin, has a high cost of living. Housing is a significant expense, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin averaging €1,500–€2,000 per month.
With a medical card you can get public health services free of charge, including doctor visits and public hospital services. The medical card covers the cost of prescription medicines but you must pay a set charge when you get the medicines – this prescription charge is the same for each item.
The 11 Most Beautiful Counties in Ireland
Dublin and its commuter belt are the most common destinations for British people moving to Ireland and are ideal if you value strong employment options, cultural life and fast international travel. Dublin Airport is the primary international hub and well connected to the UK and global destinations.
Galway welcomes more overseas visitors than Cork or Kerry, and Longford is Ireland's least-visited county, according to new data from Fáilte Ireland.
The Homeless HAP scheme helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It gives more supports to tenants than the regular HAP scheme.