Pembroke West is a vibrant, densely urban neighbourhood in Dublin's south inner city, characterised by its mix of modern apartments and period properties. It's a cosmopolitan area with a young, educated population drawn to city living, close to cultural institutions, shopping, and transport links. The neighbourhood reflects Dublin's evolution as a modern European capital, with a distinctly contemporary feel shaped by its high proportion of renters and young professionals.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
12,743
Census 2022
Owner occupied
35.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
43.1
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 12,743, Pembroke West is a compact, densely populated urban neighbourhood where apartment living dominates and renting is the norm rather than the exception. The notably low ownership rate of 35.4% and high private renting rate of 54.7% reveal a neighbourhood shaped by younger residents and transient populations, while the crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000 is actually lower than the national average, suggesting it's a relatively safe urban area.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Pembroke West vs national average (%)
Pembroke West
National
The neighbourhood skews noticeably younger, with only 12.3% of residents under 14 and 11.4% over 65, indicating this is primarily a neighbourhood for working-age adults rather than families with young children or retirees.
Under 14
12.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
11.4%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.1% / 50.9%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Pembroke West vs National (%)
Pembroke West
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Pembroke West has a highly active workforce with 69.8% at work and a notably high work-from-home rate of 15.7%, suggesting a neighbourhood of professionals and knowledge workers with flexible employment arrangements.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
With 71.6% of residents holding third-level education—nearly double the national average—this is one of Dublin's most educated neighbourhoods, attracting graduates and professionals seeking urban living.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
43.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
20% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
42.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Donnybrook Garda subdistrict, which covers Pembroke West, records a crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000 — 20% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Donnybrook Garda subdistrict (population 42,475), which covers Pembroke West and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Pembroke West vs National (%)
Pembroke West
National
How people travel to work
Pembroke West vs National (%)
Pembroke West
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is decidedly not a car-dependent area; only 17.8% drive to work while 34.8% have no car at all, and 9.3% use public transport. The neighbourhood's compact urban character and proximity to Dublin's transport network make car ownership unnecessary for most residents.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Pembroke West vs National (%)
Pembroke West
National
Ethnicity
Pembroke West vs National (%)
Pembroke West
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Pembroke West vs National (%)
Pembroke West
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
30.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Pembroke takes its name from the Earl of Pembroke, whose estate historically dominated much of south Dublin in the 19th century, with the township formally established in 1863. The 'West' designation reflects its position within the former Pembroke administrative area, now absorbed into Dublin City, though the name endures as a marker of this neighbourhood's Anglo-Norman heritage and its evolution from landed estate to modern urban quarter.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
35.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
54.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
2.3%
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
Pembroke West is overwhelmingly apartment-based, with 55.7% of housing stock being flats or apartments compared to just 13% nationally, reflecting its dense urban character and appeal to renters seeking city-centre living.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
81.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.7%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Pembroke West vs National (%)
Pembroke West
National
Residents report good or very good health at rates slightly below the national average (81.6%), suggesting generally healthy lifestyles typical of an active, urban, working-age population.
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