Place profile · Rathdowney, Co. Laois

Is Rathdowney a good place to live?

Rathdowney is moving with the market.

Below average today — tracking the national trend — no strong local tailwind or headwind.

↓ Unemployment fell 20% → 10% — faster than nationally↓ Population fell 6.0% since 2016↑ Prices up 53.3%

Where Rathdowney sits.

Co. Laois · 2 bus stops · no rail.

67 min
drive to Limerick

Ranked #1 in Laois for quality of life.

59/100
#85 nationally
Affordability99
Family & community78
Transport & services61
Environment58
Schools & education44
Safety40
Local economy36

Homes sell for €172,500.

€115,125€240,000
↑ +53.3%0% new-build46 sales / 2yr
€€

Affordable for its access.

99/100
Affordability score

Good for families.

78/100
Family & community score

Well connected.

61/100
Transport & services score

The community here.

1,368 people, down 6% since 2016.

Who lives here.

23%
third-level
26%
professional
10.1%
unemployment
Affluence: disadvantaged

Mostly owner-occupied.

68.1% own17.9% rent8.4% social

For sale in Rathdowney right now.

Get a full report on any Rathdowney property →

The honest trade-offs.

↓ Safety 40/100↓ Local economy 36/100

Compare with nearby towns.

Rathdowney vs Portlaoise (formerly Maryborough)Rathdowney vs PortarlingtonRathdowney vs MountrathRathdowney vs MountmellickRathdowney vs StradballyRathdowney vs AbbeyleixIs Portlaoise (formerly Maryborough) a good place to live?Is Portarlington a good place to live?Is Mountrath a good place to live?Is Mountmellick 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.