Mullingar is the administrative capital of County Westmeath and the third most populous town in the Midlands, known for its rich musical heritage, scenic lakes, and vibrant cultural scene. As the fastest growing urban area in the region, it's a prosperous market town surrounded by rich farmland with excellent connectivity to Dublin, Galway, and other major centres. The town has earned Purple Flag accreditation for its appeal as a place to live and entertainment destination, hosting major events like Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which draws over 500,000 visitors.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
22,667
Census 2022
Owner occupied
57.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
80.0
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 22,667, Mullingar is a substantial market town experiencing significant growth and investment. The ownership rate of 57.4% is notably lower than the national average, reflecting a younger, more mobile population with higher private renting at 25.5% — suggesting an area attracting people in transition or early career stages. The crime rate of 80.0 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average of 54.1, which is worth considering when evaluating safety and community feel.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Mullingar vs national average (%)
Mullingar
National
Mullingar has a notably younger demographic than the national average, with 22.5% under 14 compared to 19.7% nationally, and only 12.9% over 65 versus 15.1% nationally, indicating a family-oriented community with strong generational diversity.
Under 14
22.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.9%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.7% / 51.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Mullingar vs National (%)
Mullingar
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
The town is a principal industrial hub with thriving clusters in advanced manufacturing, engineering and science, though employment rates are slightly below national average at 54.5%, and notably fewer people work from home (7.2% vs 11.3% nationally), suggesting traditional workplace-based employment dominates.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Education levels are slightly below the national average at 36.0% with third-level qualifications, indicating a mixed educational profile typical of a regional market town rather than a university centre.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
80.0
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
48% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
86.1
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Mullingar Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 80.0 per 1,000 — 48% 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 Mullingar Garda subdistrict (population 26,390), which covers Mullingar and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Mullingar vs National (%)
Mullingar
National
How people travel to work
Mullingar vs National (%)
Mullingar
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Mullingar is decidedly car-dependent, with 67.2% of workers driving to work compared to 62.4% nationally, and only 3.3% using public transport versus 7.9% nationally. Located on the Dublin-Sligo rail line and the M4 motorway, the town offers good road connectivity, but public transport options remain limited for daily commuting.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Mullingar vs National (%)
Mullingar
National
Ethnicity
Mullingar vs National (%)
Mullingar
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Mullingar vs National (%)
Mullingar
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
33.7%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Mullingar's name comes from the Irish 'An Muileann gCearr', meaning 'the left-hand mill', reflecting the town's historical roots as a milling centre. The name tells us this was once a working landscape shaped by water power and agriculture, a character that persists today as Mullingar remains surrounded by rich farmland and serves as an agricultural market town.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
57.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
25.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
12.0%
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
The housing market shows higher apartment and flat living (16.0% vs 13.0% nationally) alongside lower owner-occupation, reflecting a mix of traditional houses and newer apartment developments, with private renting more prevalent than the national norm.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
80.0%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
16.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Mullingar vs National (%)
Mullingar
National
Health outcomes are slightly below the national average at 80.0% reporting good or very good health compared to 82.9% nationally, suggesting a community with generally positive wellbeing though with some health challenges.