Essex, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,157
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$104,358/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,954
-1.2% year-over-year change

Essex population

How many people live in Essex

Essex is home to 6,157 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Essex locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
6,157
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
3,096
Female
49.7%
3,061
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,096 50.3% 6.4%
Female 3,061 49.7% -4.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Essex is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.3% of the population, while another 30.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
18.3%
45 to 64
30.5%
Over 65
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 840 13.6% 4.7%
15 to 24 751 12.2% -14.6%
25 to 44 1,124 18.3% 13.8%
45 to 64 1,877 30.5% -7.3%
Over 65 1,564 25.4% 9.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Essex, 94.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.7% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,802 94.2% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 227 3.7% -16.5%
Non-citizens 128 2.1% -29.3%
Racial breakdown
White
90.2%
Black or African American
2.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 5,557 90.2%
Black or African American 166 2.7%
Asian 46 0.8%
Two or more races 375 6.1%
Other 13 0.2%

Households in Essex

A peek inside Essex households

Essex has 2,691 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.4% are families, while the remaining 39.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,691
-1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,066
Family households
1,626
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,066 39.6% -12.6%
Family households 1,626 60.4% 8.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Essex

The housing landscape of Essex

Essex's housing consists of 2,954 units, with 73.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,954
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,163 73.2%
1 unit, attached 82 2.8%
2 units 295 10%
3 or 4 units 132 4.5%
5 to 9 units 52 1.8%
10 to 19 units 46 1.6%
20 to 49 units 26 0.9%
50 or more units 158 5.4%
Homes built since 2020
16
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Essex

In Essex, the median construction year is 1967. About 26.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 784 26.5% -5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 53 1.8% -17.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 303 10.2% 5.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 276 9.3% -15.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 483 16.4% 12.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 456 15.4% 4.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 229 7.8% -14.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 246 8.3% 6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 109 3.7% -9.9%
Built in 2020 or later 16 0.5% N/A
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

Out of the 2,691 occupied housing units in Essex, 77.6% are owner-occupied, while 22.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,691
-1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
603
Owner occupied
2,089
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 603 22.4% -3.0%
Owner occupied 2,089 77.6% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Essex housing costs

Housing costs in Essex come to a median of $1,915 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,444.

Median housing costs per month
$1,915/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Essex
$1,444/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Essex

Essex education at a glance

About 21.8% of the population in Essex went to high school, while 13.8% pursued college studies. Another 13.5% earned an associate degree and 30.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 33 0.6% -15.4%
High school diploma 1,118 21.8% -15.9%
College diploma 709 13.8% 24.8%
Associate degree 692 13.5% 11.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,549 30.2% 2.3%
Graduate degree 1,036 20.2% -2.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Essex

How much people earn in Essex

The average annual household income in Essex was $150,671 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $104,358, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Essex
$150,671/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Essex
$104,358/year
1.7% year-over-year change

Essex income by age

In Essex, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $130,220. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $109,111 overall. Overall, 97% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $130,220 46.5%
45 - 64 $109,111 -21.8%
Over 65 $83,125 1.9%
Above poverty level
5,872
Below poverty level
182
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,872 97% 0.9%
Below poverty level 182 3% -5.7%

Employment in Essex

Workforce and job types in Essex

80.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.4% run their own businesses, 69.6% are employed by private companies, and 6.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,667
Blue collar
657
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,667 80.2% -6.4%
Blue collar 657 19.8% 8.6%
Employer type
Self employees
18.4%
Private companies
69.6%
Governmental workers
6.1%
Not for profit companies
6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 610 18.4% 4.6%
Private companies 2,312 69.6% -2.0%
Governmental workers 203 6.1% -19.8%
Not for profit companies 199 6% -22.6%

Transportation in Essex

How people get around in Essex

Commuting methods vary: 93.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,447 93.8% -6.3%
Bus or trolleybus 21 0.8% 23.5%
Railroad 10 0.4% N/A
Bicycle 9 0.4% N/A
Walk 121 4.6% -3.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Essex by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06409 701 321 $107,909 $112,141
06426 3,267 1,517 $103,705 $162,391
06442 2,826 1,149 $104,358 $147,227

Explore more communities

FAQs about Essex demographics 

What is the total population of Essex?

Essex has a total population of 6,157 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Essex?

The gender ratio in Essex is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (3,096 residents)
  • 49.7% females (3,061 residents)

What is the median age in Essex?

The median age in Essex is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Essex?

The age distribution in Essex is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (840 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (751 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.3% (1,124 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.5% (1,877 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.4% (1,564 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Essex?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Essex is as follows:
  • White: 90.2% (5,557 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.7% (166 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (46 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (375 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (13 residents)

What percentage of the population in Essex are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.2% of the population in Essex.

How many housing units are there in Essex?

There are 2,954 housing units in Essex, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Essex and what is the average household size?

Essex has a total of 2,691 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Essex?

Essex has a median household income of $104,358, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Essex?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.2% (2,667 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.8% (657 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.4% (610 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.6% (2,312 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.1% (203 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6% (199 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025