#2025 HAPPY CITY INDEX This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are. (Plato)

City Profile: Dublin
 
General Overview
  • Country: Ireland
  • Population of the city: 1534900
  • Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 117.8
  • Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 1 233 210 000 GBP
  • Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 29.20%
  • GDP PER PERSON: 66603
  • REAL GDB - GROWTH: 0.3
  • Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 10.90%
 
Education & Innovation
  • The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 51-100
  • Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 10.00%
  • The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 5.20%
  • Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 15.50%
  • Percentage of population with digital skills: 73.00%
  • Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 0.21
 
Governance & Transparency
  • Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 42.24%
  • City have its own open data website, or does it regularly report and publish its data on the national open data platform managed by a government agency: yes
  • Datasets containing information about the city and its residents which are available on the open data portal managed by the city or a government agency to which the city provides information: 760
  • E-services: fault reporting, electronic payments, on-line appointment scheduling: yes
  • Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
  • Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 13
 
Health & Well-being
  • Percentage of population with medical insurance: 72.00%
  • Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 4.1
  • Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 82.58
  • Obesity rate: 25.00%
  • Average number of working hours: 40
  • Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 42.00%
  • The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.1
 
Mobility & Transport
  • Green Mobility Share (%): 40.00%
  • Existence of electronic payment system for transportation services, such as payments by card at terminals or via a mobile app: yes
  • Payment via the city's mobile application: yes
  • Payment via a special payment card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
  • Payment via a debit or credit card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
  • Existence of intelligent traffic management system (ITS): yes
  • Public transport network km per 100 resident: 0.01
  • Distance to the nearest airport offering international flights: 0
  • Percentage of public transport vehicles (e.g., buses, metro, trams) fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities: 100
  • Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.15
  • City provide data on public transportation (e.g., departure times, real-time location of public transport vehicles) through an open data portal managed by the city or a government entity: yes
  • City provide on its website, mobile app, or through collaboration with other entities the ability to plan a journey using public transportation, known as a journey planner: yes
 
Environment & Sustainability
  • Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.08
  • Average PM10 value in the city: 12
  • Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
  • Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 100.00%
  • Number of parks per square kilometre: 1.7
  • Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
  • Existance of information about CO2 emissions: yes
 
Economy & Business
  • Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 85.77
  • Number of new businesses per 1,000 residents: 6.96
  • Unemployment rate: 5.00%
  • Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 3.8
  • Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 17.00%
  • Percentage of employed people with disabilities: 46.00%
 


The 2025 Happy CITY INDEX was developed with contributions from over 150 researchers worldwide, ensuring reliable and comparable data. While we strive to address data gaps and limitations, all data used in our analysis comes from verified sources.

Our methodology is designed to reduce potential errors and ensure accuracy in the final results. However, if you identify any inaccuracies, please email
[email protected] with verifiable sources supporting the correction.

We appreciate your understanding and your willingness to contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on sustainable urban development.
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Rank:

GOLD

Points:

862



Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland, is a city that blends historic charm with modern innovation, making it a dynamic center for culture, business, and governance. Home to 1,534,900 residents and covering just 117.8 square kilometers, Dublin is a bustling metropolis that accounts for 29.2% of Ireland’s population. The city thrives on a strong economy, boasting a GDP per capita of £66,603 and a steady real GDP growth rate of 0.3%. With a 2024 budget of £1.23 billion GBP, Dublin continues to invest in infrastructure, sustainability, and economic development, ensuring a high quality of life for its residents. Public administration plays a key role, employing 10.9% of the workforce and supporting the city’s efficient governance.

Education and innovation drive Dublin’s global reputation. The city is home to a university ranked within the 51-100 range, attracting students from around the world. Around 10% of residents engage in lifelong learning, and while the cost of education requires a 5.2% income allocation, Dublin maintains a strong intellectual foundation. Digital proficiency is widespread, with 73% of the population possessing digital skills, though foreign language fluency is relatively low at 15.5%. Innovation is modest, with 0.21 patents granted per 10,000 residents, reflecting opportunities for growth in research and development.

Governance and civic participation are central to Dublin’s identity. Voter turnout in the last local elections was 42.24%, indicating moderate political engagement. The city maintains a strong commitment to transparency, with 760 datasets available through open data platforms. Digital governance is well-integrated, providing e-services for fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. Dublin operates under a clear development strategy, supported by 13 sectoral strategies to guide its long-term growth.

Health and well-being are top priorities in Dublin. While 72% of the population has medical insurance, healthcare services remain widely accessible, with 4.1 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy stands at 82.58 years, a testament to the city’s quality of life. However, challenges persist, including an obesity rate of 25% and a high demand for mental health services, with 42% of adults receiving coordinated support. Suicide rates remain low at 0.1 per 1,000 residents, demonstrating the city’s focus on well-being and mental health awareness.

Dublin’s transport network is evolving to meet modern demands. Green mobility accounts for 40% of all transportation, supported by an intelligent traffic management system. Public transport is fully accessible, with 100% of vehicles adapted for individuals with mobility disabilities. Despite a relatively small public transport network of 0.01 kilometers per 100 residents, multiple digital payment options—including mobile applications, special transport cards, and debit or credit card transactions—enhance efficiency. Dublin also benefits from direct connectivity to an international airport, facilitating seamless global travel. The traffic fatality rate remains low at 0.15 per 10,000 residents, emphasizing the city’s commitment to safe and sustainable transportation.

Environmental sustainability is deeply embedded in Dublin’s urban strategy. The city efficiently manages electricity consumption at 0.08 per GDP and boasts an impressive air quality index, with an average PM10 value of just 12. Biodiversity protection strategies are in place, and 100% of residents benefit from sewage treatment facilities. Green spaces are well-distributed, with 1.7 parks per square kilometer, enhancing urban livability. Dublin actively promotes renewable energy adoption and maintains transparency in CO2 emission data to drive climate action initiatives.

Dublin’s economy is thriving, with 85.77 businesses per 1,000 residents and 6.96 new businesses established per 1,000 residents annually. The city maintains a relatively low unemployment rate of 5%, reflecting a strong job market. Foreign investment remains significant, with 3.8 foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents. Earnings in Dublin are highly competitive, with a 17% deviation above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals and businesses alike. Furthermore, inclusivity is a priority, with 46% of employed individuals being people with disabilities.

Dublin is a city of energy and opportunity—where rich history meets a forward-thinking approach to governance, mobility, and sustainability. With its vibrant economy, growing infrastructure, and dedication to innovation, Dublin continues to establish itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic and livable cities. As it evolves, Dublin remains a beacon of progress, culture, and resilience, offering an unparalleled urban experience for both residents and visitors.

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