Sutton is a charming coastal suburb on Dublin's Northside, nestled on the tombolo linking Howth Head to the mainland, with breezy sea views, sandy Burrow Beach, and a relaxed village feel around Sutton Cross. It's known for its tight-knit community of families, professionals, and retirees who enjoy golf at Sutton and Howth Golf Clubs, tennis at the local club, and scenic walks along the coast. Georgian houses like Beachfield and Martello Terrace fisherman's cottages add historic elegance, while St Fintan's Church overlooks the gentle waves.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
5,789
Census 2022
Owner occupied
83.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
39.1
National avg: 54.1
With a close-knit population of just 5,789, Sutton feels like a peaceful haven rather than a bustling town, boasting high home ownership at 83.5% which speaks to stability and roots, and a reassuringly low crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000 well below the national average.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Sutton vs national average (%)
Sutton
National
Sutton's community has a mature, settled vibe with 26% over 65—higher than average—and fewer young children at 17.2% under 14, suggesting a welcoming spot for retirees alongside family life.
Under 14
17.2%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
26.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.0% / 52.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Sutton vs National (%)
Sutton
National
vs national average
At work
Here
50.5%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
28.1%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
10.0%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
6.0%
National
6.6%
The economic scene here is steady with 50.5% at work, a high 28.1% retired, and 17.2% working from home, painting a picture of flexible, professional lifestyles in a less hectic environment.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
53.1%
National
39.2%
Impressively high third-level education at 53.1% indicates a well-educated, aspirational community likely drawing professionals who value quality schools like St Fintan's and a thoughtful way of life.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
39.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
28% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
40.9
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Howth Garda subdistrict, which covers Sutton, records a crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000 — 28% below the national average of 54.06.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Howth Garda subdistrict (population 21,026), which covers Sutton and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Sutton vs National (%)
Sutton
National
How people travel to work
Sutton vs National (%)
Sutton
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
17.2%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
25.6%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
45.5%
National
62.4%
Public transport shines with 25.6% using it—far above the national 7.9%—thanks to handy DART access, while 45.5% drive and only 9.3% have no car, making it far less car-dependent than most areas. It's easy to hop on a train to Dublin or stroll locally.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Sutton vs National (%)
Sutton
National
Ethnicity
Sutton vs National (%)
Sutton
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
91.5%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
86.6%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Sutton vs National (%)
Sutton
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
65.9%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
23.1%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
46.3%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
46.3%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
1.9%
National
4.1%
Sutton's Irish name is Cill Fhionntain, meaning 'Fintan's cell or church,' honouring St Fintan and hinting at its ancient monastic roots tied to the coastal landscape. This reflects a layered history from early Christian sites to its tombolo position, blending spiritual heritage with the sea's enduring presence.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
83.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
11.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
0.6%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
28.7%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
54.8%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
94.3%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
5.7%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
9.3%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
37.8%
National
41.5%
Mostly owner-occupied at 83.5% with low private renting at 11.9%, the housing is dominated by family homes rather than the national trend of flats, with just 5.7% apartments for that classic suburban solidity.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.0%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
10.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Sutton vs National (%)
Sutton
National
Excellent health reported by 88% suggests a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by coastal air, beach walks, and low stress in this serene setting.

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