Northern Ireland · Town guide

Is Downpatrick a good place to live?

Downpatrick is a town in Northern Ireland within the Downpatrick District Electoral Area, home to around 21,916 people. It ranks 48 of 80 areas for income deprivation, less deprived than most areas. Recorded crime is 59.5 per 1,000 people, above the Northern Ireland average of 50.4. The area has 26 schools serving 5,192 pupils.

Downpatrick DEA 21,916 residentsUpdated 2026-07-02
21,916
Population
59.5
Crimes /1,000 (2024/25)
48/80
Income deprivation rank
26
Schools

Statistics on this page describe the Downpatrick District Electoral Area, the official statistical area that contains Downpatrick.

Is Downpatrick a safe area?

59.5
crimes per 1,000 people · 2024/25
18% above NI average (50.4)

1,304 crimes were recorded in 2024/25, and the overall rate has been falling over recent years. Source: PSNI recorded crime.

0842019/202024/25DownpatrickNI average
Downpatrick NI averagecrimes per 1,000 people

Most common crime types

Violence without injury
282 · 22%
Violence with injury (including homicide & death/serious injury by unlawful driving)
224 · 17%
Criminal damage
200 · 15%

How affluent is Downpatrick?

Most deprivedLeast deprived
48 of 80
income deprivation rank · Low deprivation

Rank 1 is the most deprived area in Northern Ireland. Source: NI Multiple Deprivation Measure (NIMDM), income domain.

Who lives in Downpatrick?

Age profile

Under 15 20%15–64 62%65+ 17%

NISRA Census 2021

Community background

Catholic 80%Protestant & other Christian 14%Other or none 6%

“Religion or religion brought up in”, NISRA Census 2021. Figures are for the wider Downpatrick area.

Health

78%
report good or very good general health

NISRA Census 2021

Homes and work

47% live in detached · 65% owner-occupied
54% of adults are in employment · 31% hold degree-level qualifications
Most common commute: driving a car or van (66%)

What schools are near Downpatrick?

The area has 26 schools serving 5,192 pupils, including 2 grammar schools. Source: Department of Education.

Primary 11Post-primary 3Nursery 3Pre-school 7Special 2

Who is Downpatrick good for?

Families20% under 15 · 26 schools
Professionals31% hold a degree-level qualification
Commuters66% commute by car

Downpatrick: frequently asked questions

Is Downpatrick a safe area?

Downpatrick recorded 1,304 crimes in 2024/25, a rate of 59.5 per 1,000 people, which is 18% above the Northern Ireland average (50.4 per 1,000). Crime has been falling over recent years. Source: PSNI recorded crime statistics. Figures describe the wider Downpatrick District Electoral Area, which contains Downpatrick.

Is Downpatrick an affluent area?

Downpatrick ranks 48 out of 80 Northern Ireland areas for income deprivation (rank 1 is most deprived), indicating low deprivation. Source: NI Multiple Deprivation Measure. Figures describe the wider Downpatrick District Electoral Area, which contains Downpatrick.

What is the community background of Downpatrick?

In the 2021 Census, 80% of residents were Catholic or brought up Catholic, 14% were Protestant or other Christian, and 6% reported another religion or none. Source: NISRA Census 2021. Figures describe the wider Downpatrick District Electoral Area, which contains Downpatrick.

What schools are near Downpatrick?

The area has 26 schools with 5,192 pupils, including 2 grammar schools. Source: Department of Education school census. Figures describe the wider Downpatrick District Electoral Area, which contains Downpatrick.

Looking at a specific property in Downpatrick?

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Nearby and related areas

Sources: PSNI recorded crime statistics · NISRA Census 2021 · NI Multiple Deprivation Measure 2017 · Department of Education · Ofcom Connected Nations. Last updated 2026-07-02. Data is provided for information only; always verify independently.