Place profile · Ballina, Co. Mayo

Is Ballina a good place to live?

Ballina is on the up.

Below average today — but the fundamentals are turning, faster than the national trend.

↓ Unemployment fell 25% → 18%↑ Third-level education up 5 points↑ Population grew 4.8% since 2016↑ Prices up 34.3%

Where Ballina sits.

Co. Mayo · 6 bus stops · 1 rail.

107 min
drive to Galway

Ranked #2 in Mayo for quality of life.

68/100
#27 nationally
Affordability100
Transport & services88
Family & community83
Environment82
Safety82
Local economy22
Schools & education16

Homes sell for €176,000.

€110,000€266,000
↑ +34.3%6.1% new-build425 sales / 2yr
€€

Affordable for its access.

100/100
Affordability score

Well connected.

88/100
Transport & services score

Good for families.

83/100
Family & community score

A community that's growing.

9,955 people, up 4.8% since 2016.

Who lives here.

26%
third-level
27%
professional
21.7%
unemployment
Affluence: disadvantaged

Mostly owner-occupied.

61.4% own24.5% rent11.2% social

For sale in Ballina right now.

Get a full report on any Ballina property →

The honest trade-offs.

↓ Local economy 22/100↓ Schools & education 16/100

Compare with nearby towns.

Ballina vs CastlebarBallina vs WestportBallina vs ClaremorrisBallina vs BallinrobeBallina vs BallyhaunisBallina vs SwinfordIs Castlebar a good place to live?Is Westport a good place to live?Is Claremorris a good place to live?Is Ballinrobe a good place to live?

Sale prices from the Property Price Register (rolling 24 months). Quality of Life averages seven equal-weighted dimensions from 40+ metrics across 13 public datasets (CSO census + SAPS, Garda crime, SEAI, EPA, DES schools, GTFS). Population is CSO Census 2022; the “on the up” trajectory compares 2016→2022. Figures refresh daily · an area assessment, not advice on a specific property. Updated 2026.