Whitehall is a welcoming, leafy suburb on Dublin's Northside, nestled between the city centre and the airport, with tree-lined avenues and a real community feel that mixes families, students from nearby Dublin City University, and retirees. It's known for its handy location near schools like Whitehall College, local parks, and the Omni Shopping Centre where you can grab all your daily essentials. You'll love the blend of quiet residential streets and easy access to buses that zip you into town in under 30 minutes.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
13,675
Census 2022
Owner occupied
64.7%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
128.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 13,675, Whitehall feels like a close-knit suburban community where home ownership at 64.7% is steady and close to the national average, suggesting stability for families looking to put down roots. However, the crime rate of 128.7 per 1,000—more than double the national average—means staying vigilant, especially at night, though many locals still call it a safe spot for everyday life.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Whitehall vs national average (%)
Whitehall
National
Whitehall has fewer young children at 15% under 14 compared to the national 19.7%, but a higher proportion of over-65s at 18.7% versus 15.1%, painting a picture of a mature, family-oriented community with plenty of grandparents enjoying the parks and local vibe.
Under 14
15.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
18.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.4% / 52.6%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Whitehall vs National (%)
Whitehall
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over half the population is at work at 55.3%, with a solid 12.9% working from home above the national average, pointing to a balanced economic scene where professionals and retirees coexist comfortably.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
With 45.7% holding third-level education—higher than the national 39.2%—Whitehall attracts educated professionals and students, thanks to its proximity to Dublin City University, fostering a thoughtful, ambitious community.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
128.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
138% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
121.3
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Santry Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 128.7 per 1,000 — 138% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Santry Garda subdistrict (population 27,246), which covers Whitehall and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Whitehall vs National (%)
Whitehall
National
How people travel to work
Whitehall vs National (%)
Whitehall
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Public transport is a standout here with 22.8% using it to work—nearly three times the national average—making buses a reliable way to reach the city centre quickly, while only 39.1% drive compared to 62.4% nationally and 21.9% have no car, so it's far less car-dependent than many Dublin suburbs.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Whitehall vs National (%)
Whitehall
National
Ethnicity
Whitehall vs National (%)
Whitehall
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Whitehall vs National (%)
Whitehall
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
37.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Whitehall' comes from the Irish 'An Balla Bán', meaning 'the white wall', likely referring to a historic whitewashed boundary wall from old estate lands in this once-rural area. It hints at Whitehall's evolution from quiet farmland on Dublin's northern edge to the vibrant suburb it is today, connecting its past to the green, open feel that still lingers.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
64.7%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
22.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
6.9%
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
Most homes are owner-occupied at 64.7%, but private renting at 22.4% is above average, with 19.8% in flats or apartments versus 13% nationally, offering options for buyers seeking stability or renters near uni and shops.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
81.0%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.7%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Whitehall vs National (%)
Whitehall
National
Good or very good health is reported by 81%—close to the national 82.9%—suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by parks, walking to shops, and that strong community spirit.
Other areas in Dublin City
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