| Parish Census |
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The National Census of Ireland in 2011 provided data on each parish in the country. Some interesting facts emerged for Harold’s Cross.
More detail is available under the following headings:
Harold’s Cross Parish has a disproportionately larger young adult (20-35) population profile and a smaller 0-20 age group, compared with the national data (represented by the line going from left to right). Two thirds of men and women in Harold’s Cross are single, while about a quarter are married.
In total, there are 1,530 families in Harold’s Cross Parish. 56% of families have two members (including adults and children, if any). 20% have three members, 16% have four members and 8% have five or more members. The following graph shows the distribution of the family cycle – among those identified as families – in Harold’s Cross. 28% of families have no children yet and 14% have children of pre-school age. In 18% of families, the children are adults and, in 11% of families, the children have left home.
81% of the survey respondents in Harold’s Cross indicate Irish nationality. The same proportion was found in a 2008 parish survey, although the diversity of other nationalities appears to have diminished.
A lower proportion (67%) state that they are Catholic, compared with the national picture (84%). In 2008, the stated religion of the population in Harold’s Cross (81% Catholic) was similar to the national average.
18% of people in our parish state that they have no religion, a proportion three times greater than the national average (6%). This large discrepancy may be partly explained by the very high percentage of young adults in Harold’s Cross and a growing reluctance to be publicly committed to a particular lifestyle, image or institution. The preference for many is to be independent and able to embrace or reject specific aspects at will. A very high proportion of residents in Harold’s Cross Parish (47%) live in private rental accommodation. The national average is 29%.
There is a comparatively low level of unemployment (8%) in our parish, compared with the national average (14%). 60% of parishioners aged 15 years and over are at work, 13% are students, 11% are retired and 5% are looking after the home or family. 3% are unable to work due to disability or long-term illness. Among those at work, the following occupational categories emerged. Harold’s Cross has a large proportion of professional (16%) and managerial (34%) workers.
36% of households in the parish have no car, while 43% have one car. The remaining 21% of households have two or more cars. Three out of four homes have internet access.
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