Essex, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,216
1.9 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,000/yr
Private dwellings
8,880

Essex population

How many people live in Essex

Essex is home to 21,216 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 49.6% identify as male and 50.4% as female.

Total population
21,216
1.9% year-over-year change
Population density
76.4/km2
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
10,520
Female
50.4%
10,695
Value Percent
Male 10,520 49.6%
Female 10,695 50.4%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Essex is 44.1. Children under 15 make up 15.3% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 11%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 10.9% are 25 to 34, 10.7% are 35 to 44, and 13.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 16.8% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 21.9%.

Average age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 34
10.9%
35 to 44
10.7%
45 to 54
13.4%
55 to 64
16.8%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent
Under 15 3,245 15.3%
15 to 24 2,335 11%
25 to 34 2,310 10.9%
35 to 44 2,275 10.7%
45 to 54 2,835 13.4%
55 to 64 3,565 16.8%
Over 65 4,650 21.9%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Essex, 91.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 8.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.1% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
91.2%
Immigrants
8.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.1%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 18,835 91.2%
Immigrants 1,800 8.7%
Non-permanent residents 25 0.1%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
4.6%
Non-minorities
95.4%
Value Percent
Minorities 955 4.6%
Non-minorities 19,700 95.4%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Essex
English
98.2%
French
1.6%
English and French
0.1%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 20,600 98.2%
French 325 1.6%
English and French 15 0.1%
Neither English nor French 40 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.2% of people in Essex speak English as their primary language, 1.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.1% are bilingual, and 0.2% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Essex

A peek inside Essex households

Essex has 8,390 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.7% of all homes, while 37.4% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.3%, and homes with four or more people account for 22.6% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
8,390
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
25.7%
2 persons
37.4%
3 persons
14.3%
4 persons
14.4%
5 or more persons
8.2%
Value Percent
1 person 2,155 25.7%
2 persons 3,140 37.4%
3 persons 1,200 14.3%
4 persons 1,210 14.4%
5 or more persons 690 8.2%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Essex

The housing landscape of Essex

Essex has a total of 8,880 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 84.7% are single-detached houses, 9.6% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 0.7% are apartments. When it comes to space, Essex offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 69% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 24.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
8,880
Housing types
Single-detached homes
84.7%
Attached homes
9.6%
Apartments
0.7%
Movable homes
5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 7,095 84.7%
Attached homes 805 9.6%
Apartments 60 0.7%
Movable homes 420 5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
69%
4 or more bedrooms
24.4%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 515 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 5,825 69%
4 or more bedrooms 2,050 24.4%
Homes built since 2011
605

The age of buildings in Essex

About 18.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 14.4% between 1946 and 1960. Another 11.5% went up in the 1960s, 19% in the 1970s, and 9.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 12.2% of homes were added, and 7.7% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 1,520 18.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 1,215 14.4%
Between 1961 and 1970 970 11.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 1,600 19%
Between 1981 and 1990 820 9.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 1,030 12.2%
Between 2001 and 2010 650 7.7%
After 2011 605 7.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Essex occupancy rates

In Essex, there are 8,391 occupied private dwellings, of which 85.4% are owner-occupied and 14.6% are rented. Meanwhile, 489 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
8,391
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
14.6%
Owned households
85.4%
Value Percent
Rented households 1,230 14.6%
Owned households 7,165 85.4%
Unoccupied dwellings
489
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Essex, homeowners pay a median of $1,020 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $960. About 87.9% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 12.1% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,020
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$960
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
87.9%
≥30% on shelter
12.1%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 7,245 87.9%
≥30% on shelter 995 12.1%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Essex

Essex education at a glance

In Essex, educational attainment varies across the community. About 15.9% of residents have no formal diploma, while 36% have completed high school and 7.8% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 24.5% have graduated from college. Finally, 1.4% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 14.3% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 2,780 15.9%
High school diploma 6,285 36%
Apprenticeship diploma 1,365 7.8%
College diploma 4,270 24.5%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 240 1.4%
University degree 2,495 14.3%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Essex

How much people earn in Essex

In Essex, the median household income sits at $87,000, while the median after-tax household income is $77,500.

Median household income
$87,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$77,500/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Essex income by age

Young adults in Essex between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,200, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $46,000, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $56,800. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $60,000, followed by $48,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,200
25 - 34 46,000
35 - 44 56,800
45 - 54 60,000
55 - 64 48,800
Over 65 36,000

Employment in Essex

Workforce and job sectors in Essex

In Essex, 10,625 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 12.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, sales and service, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
10,625
Unemployment rate
12.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 90 0.9%
Business, finance and administration 1,370 13.1%
Natural and applied sciences 535 5.1%
Health 855 8.2%
Education, law, community and government services 990 9.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 175 1.7%
Sales and service 2,380 22.8%
Trades and transport 2,665 25.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 390 3.7%
Manufacturing and utilities 975 9.4%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Essex

How people get around in Essex

In Essex, the average commute is 22 minutes. About 96.2% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 0.1% rely on public transit and 2.7% walk or bike. The remaining 0.9% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
22 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
24.4%
15 to 29 minutes
41.4%
30 to 44 minutes
27.2%
45 to 59 minutes
5.8%
More than 60 minutes
1.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 1,935 24.4%
15 to 29 minutes 3,285 41.4%
30 to 44 minutes 2,160 27.2%
45 to 59 minutes 465 5.8%
More than 60 minutes 100 1.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 7,650 96.2%
By public transit 10 0.1%
By bicycle/by walking 215 2.7%
By other methods 75 0.9%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Essex demographics 

What is the current total population in Essex?

Essex has a population of 21,216, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +1.9% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Essex?  

Essex has a population density of 76.4 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Essex?

Essex has the following gender distribution:
  • 49.6% males (10,520 residents)  
  • 50.4% females (10,695 residents)

What is the age distribution of Essex residents?  

The age distribution of Essex residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 15.3% (3,245 residents)   
  • 15-24: 11% (2,335 residents)   
  • 25-34: 10.9% (2,310 residents)   
  • 35-44: 10.7% (2,275 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.4% (2,835 residents)   
  • 55-64: 16.8% (3,565 residents)   
  • Over 64: 21.9% (4,650 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Essex? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Essex: 
  • 91.2% non-immigrants (18,835 residents)  
  • 8.7% immigrants (1,800 residents)  
  • 0.1% non-permanent residents (25 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Essex?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Essex: 
  • English: 98.2% 
  • French: 1.6% 
  • English and French: 0.1% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Essex?  

The typical household size in Essex is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Essex?  

The median household income in Essex is $87,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Essex residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Essex is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 15.9% (2,780 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 36% (6,285 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7.8% (1,365 residents) 
  • College diploma: 24.5% (4,270 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 1.4% (240 residents) 
  • University degree: 14.3% (2,495 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Essex?  

The most common occupations in Essex fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 1.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 13.1% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 9.5% 
  • Health: 8.2% 
  • Management: 0.9% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 9.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.7% 
  • Sales and service: 22.8% 
  • Trades and transport: 25.6% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025