Place profile · Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

Is Kilkenny a good place to live?

Kilkenny is stagnating.

Below average today — improving in absolute terms, but falling behind the national trend.

↓ Unemployment fell 15% → 10%, in line with nationally↑ Population grew just 1.9% vs 8% nationally

Where Kilkenny sits.

Co. Kilkenny · 86 bus stops · 1 rail.

40 min
drive to Waterford

Ranked #1 in Kilkenny for quality of life.

66/100
#35 nationally
Affordability89
Family & community78
Environment77
Transport & services65
Safety62
Local economy49
Schools & education43

Homes sell for €310,000.

€233,000€406,550
↑ +2.7%21.4% new-build1269 sales / 2yr
€€

Affordable for its access.

89/100
Affordability score

Good for families.

78/100
Family & community score

Clean, green surrounds.

77/100
Environment score

The community here.

26,831 people, up 1.9% since 2016.

Who lives here.

41%
third-level
37%
professional
12.3%
unemployment
Affluence: below average

A mix of owners and renters.

58.1% own25.3% rent13.9% social

For sale in Kilkenny right now.

Get a full report on any Kilkenny property →

The honest trade-offs.

↓ Schools & education 43/100

Compare with nearby towns.

Kilkenny vs CallanKilkenny vs ThomastownKilkenny vs PiltownKilkenny vs KilmacowKilkenny vs FreshfordKilkenny vs MooncoinIs Callan a good place to live?Is Thomastown a good place to live?Is Piltown a good place to live?Is Kilmacow 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.