Louth ranked second most challenging county in Ireland to raise a family
Louth also recorded one of the highest crime rates among the counties examined
Louth has been ranked as the second most challenging county in Ireland to raise a family, according to a new nationwide study examining the factors that matter most to parents when choosing where to live.
The research, carried out by home insurance comparison site Quote Devil, analysed a range of family-focused indicators including housing affordability, school availability, crime rates, access to green spaces, and local amenities.
Only Kildare ranked higher on the list of counties facing the greatest challenges for family life, with Louth placed second and Wicklow third.
According to the findings, Louth's position was influenced by a combination of relatively high crime levels and a lower number of educational facilities compared to many other counties.
The county has 69 primary schools and 18 post-primary schools..
Louth also recorded one of the highest crime rates among the counties examined, with 659.8 reported crimes per 10,000 residents. According to the report the county offers 1.7 nature and park locations per 10,000 residents, this remains below the levels seen in counties considered more family-friendly.
Quote Devil says: “More than one in five Irish families have three or more children, and for parents and guardians planning for the future, it is no longer solely about convenience or proximity. Families across Ireland are considering a wider range of priorities, from school quality and housing affordability to safety, green spaces, and local amenities.”
Despite its ranking, researchers stressed that being labelled "challenging" does not mean a county is unsuitable for family life.
Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals at Quote Devil, shares his thoughts on the findings and what they mean for families choosing where to live:
“It’s important to note that ‘challenging’ doesn’t mean unsuitable. Many of these counties are still hugely popular with families thanks to strong communities, good job prospects, and reliable transport links.”
“Wherever you decide to settle, it’s worth protecting your home with the right home insurance, especially in areas where affordability or safety pressures are higher. Even when you’ve considered external factors like schools, green space, and local amenities in your county, family-friendly living also starts at home.
“Simple safety steps inside the house can make a big difference for peace of mind, daily convenience, and insurance readiness.”
The study identified Mayo as Ireland's most family-friendly county, citing affordable housing, low crime rates and strong educational provision. Donegal ranked second among the most family-friendly counties, benefiting from low house prices, a large number of schools and extensive green spaces.
You can view the study in full here: https://www.quotedevil.ie/news/irelands-family-friendly-counties