New data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows that Laois has the second lowest disposable income of any county in Ireland.
The data shows that disposable income per person in Laois is a staggering 21% less than the national average.
The CSO research revealed disposable income per person in Laois in 2023 was €22,257, while the State average was €28,370.
Only Longford people are worse off, with the average disposable income at €22,251 per person.
Disposable income is defined by the CSO as “primary income plus social benefits and other transfers, minus taxes on income and social insurance contributions.”
Social benefits are financial transfers made to households by the State, intended to relieve financial risks or burdens.
The Midlands was the region with the lowest levels of disposable income, with its income accounting for €8 billion overall – 16% below the national average per person.
Dublin had the highest disposable income per person at €32,393, followed by Cork at €29,876 and Limerick at €29,491.
Disposable income per person in the capital was 14% higher than the national average, increasing by 1.3% from 2022.
The data also shows that 77% of Laois employees’ compensation comes from domestic enterprises, much higher than the 60% recorded in Dublin.
Carlow was the county with the highest social benefits – per person at €8,267, followed by Donegal (€8,184 per person) and Tipperary (€8,086).
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