Westmeath is a county in the heart of Ireland, known as the 'Lake County' for its abundance of beautiful waterways including Lough Ree, Lough Derravaragh, Lough Ennell, and Lough Owel[2][4]. Located in the province of Leinster with gently rolling terrain and rich green countryside, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and easy access to larger cities like Dublin and Galway[5]. The county's landscape is shaped by its position at the geographical heart of Ireland, with the mythological Hill of Uisneach and the River Shannon defining its character[4].
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
96,221
Census 2022
Owner occupied
67.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
101.6
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 96,221, Westmeath is a vibrant mid-sized county where homeownership is particularly strong at 67.6%—above the national average—suggesting a community of settled families and long-term residents[2]. The county's economic activity shows a solid working population, though slightly below the national average, reflecting a more rural character balanced with growing employment opportunities[2].
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Westmeath vs national average (%)
Westmeath
National
Under 14
20.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
14.9%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.6% / 50.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Westmeath has a slightly younger demographic profile than the national average, with 20.6% of the population under 14, indicating a family-oriented community with good schools and child-friendly amenities[2].
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Westmeath vs National (%)
Westmeath
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Employment patterns show 55.0% of the population at work, with a notably lower rate of remote working (9.3%) compared to the national average, reflecting the county's more traditional employment base and rural character[2].
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education attainment stands at 35.7%, slightly below the national average of 39.2%, though this reflects Westmeath's more rural and traditional economic profile rather than a lack of educational opportunity[2].
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Westmeath vs National (%)
Westmeath
National
How people travel to work
Westmeath vs National (%)
Westmeath
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Public transport usage is significantly lower than the national average at just 3.0%, which is typical for a rural county where car dependency is higher and distances between settlements are greater[2]. This reflects Westmeath's dispersed population across 21 local areas and its central location where many residents have straightforward commutes to local employment[2].
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Westmeath vs National (%)
Westmeath
National
Ethnicity
Westmeath vs National (%)
Westmeath
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Westmeath vs National (%)
Westmeath
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
36.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The county's Irish name, 'An Iarmhí' or 'Contae na hIarmhí', means 'west of the middle'—a name rooted in Westmeath's historic position as part of the Kingdom of Mide, which was named for being at the geographical centre of Ireland[1][3]. This ancient designation reflects the county's enduring significance as a central hub in the Irish landscape, a character it maintains to this day[3].
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
67.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
18.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.0%
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
Westmeath stands out with an owner-occupation rate of 67.6%, notably above the national average, indicating strong community stability and a preference for property ownership among residents[2].
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Tables 12 self-reported health & smoking
Good or very good health
82.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.7%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Westmeath vs National (%)
Westmeath
National
With a temperate maritime climate featuring mild winters and cool summers, and abundant outdoor activities centred on its lakes and rivers, Westmeath offers a healthy, active lifestyle for residents[5].