Place profile · Ballon, Co. Carlow

Is Ballon a good place to live?

Ballon is on the up.

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

↓ Unemployment fell 12% → 7%, in line with nationally↑ Third-level education up 9 points — faster than nationally↑ Prices up 6.9%

Where Ballon sits.

Co. Carlow · 2 bus stops · no rail.

65 min
drive to Waterford

Ranked #1 in Carlow for quality of life.

62/100
#66 nationally
Affordability96
Family & community70
Environment69
Transport & services64
Safety62
Schools & education42
Local economy32

Homes sell for €300,000.

€274,000€362,000
↑ +6.9%16.7% new-build17 sales / 2yr
€€

Affordable for its access.

96/100
Affordability score

Good for families.

70/100
Family & community score

Clean, green surrounds.

69/100
Environment score

The community here.

801 people.

Who lives here.

34%
third-level
34%
professional
9.5%
unemployment
Affluence: below average

Mostly owner-occupied.

76.8% own12.5% rent5.4% social

For sale in Ballon right now.

Get a full report on any Ballon property →

The honest trade-offs.

↓ Schools & education 42/100↓ Local economy 32/100

Compare with nearby towns.

Ballon vs CarlowBallon vs TullowBallon vs RathvillyBallon vs LeighlinbridgeBallon vs HacketstownBallon vs BorrisIs Carlow a good place to live?Is Tullow a good place to live?Is Rathvilly a good place to live?Is Leighlinbridge 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.