Kildare listed as most challenging county for family-friendly living
Recent Quote Devil study analysed the best counties for family life, based on key metrics prioritised by families.
The study, conducted by Quote Devil analysed six key metrics to determine the most family-friendly county, including housing costs, crime rates and schooling opportunities.
Kildare was ranked as the county facing the biggest challenges when it comes to family living, driven mainly by housing costs, crime rates and limited access to parks and green space.
In Ireland, more than one in five households with children have three or more children. This is the highest proportion in the European Union, highlighting the importance of family‑friendly communities are across the country.
The average cost of a house is €415,000 in Kildare , making the affordability of the county a barrier for families looking to purchase a home.
Access to green space and parks is relatively limited, with only 0.8 parks per 10,000 residents. This figure is notably low compared to other counties.
Despite these constraints, Kildare ranks high in terms of educational opportunities. The county offers 101 primary schools and 29 post‑primary schools, leaving lots of schooling options for families to explore.
Everyday convenience for families is moderate throughout the county, supported by a supermarket density of 1.13 per 10,000 residents.
Possibly the biggest issue contributing to the county’s it’s place on the list is the high rate of reported crime. The reported crime rate is 510.5 per 10,000 residents, a figure higher than several other areas across the country.
Mayo was listed as the best county for family-friendly living, followed by Donegal and Kerry.