Essex Town, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,688
-4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$161,250/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
579
-8.4% year-over-year change

Essex population

How many people live in Essex

Essex is home to 1,688 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Essex locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
1,688
-4.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
811
Female
52%
877
Value Percent YoY change
Male 811 48% -5.2%
Female 877 52% -4.7%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.3% are children under 15, then 17.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 32.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
17.5%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
32.8%
Over 65
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 241 14.3% -9.1%
15 to 24 295 17.5% 6.1%
25 to 44 384 22.8% 3.5%
45 to 64 553 32.8% -12.1%
Over 65 215 12.7% -7.3%
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, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 0.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,632 96.7% -6.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 37 2.2% 164.3%
Non-citizens 19 1.1% 26.7%
Racial breakdown
White
97.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.4%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 1,643 97.3%
Asian 31 1.8%
Two or more races 7 0.4%
Other 7 0.4%

Households in Essex

A peek inside Essex households

Essex has 579 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68% are families, while the remaining 32% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
579
-8.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
185
Family households
394
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 185 32% 6.3%
Family households 394 68% -14.0%
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 579 units, with 55.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
579
-8.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 320 55.3%
1 unit, attached 78 13.5%
2 units 108 18.6%
3 or 4 units 66 11.4%
5 to 9 units 7 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Essex

In Essex, the median construction year is 1954. About 45.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 262 45.2% -9.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 1.6% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 47 8.1% 56.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 46 7.9% -44.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 18 3.1% -37.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 58 10% 41.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12 2.1% -42.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 95 16.4% -24.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 32 5.5% 128.6%
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 579 occupied housing units in Essex, 72.7% are owner-occupied, while 27.3% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
579
-8.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
158
Owner occupied
421
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 158 27.3% 0.6%
Owner occupied 421 72.7% -11.4%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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 $2,366 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,866.

Median housing costs per month
$2,366/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
$1,866/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 14% of the population in Essex went to high school, while 11.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 38.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 171 14% -10.5%
College diploma 144 11.8% 9.1%
Associate degree 142 11.6% 12.7%
Bachelor's degree 468 38.2% -11.9%
Graduate degree 299 24.4% -12.8%
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 $181,613 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $161,250, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Essex
$181,613/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Essex
$161,250/year
3.3% 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 $231,818. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $155,402 overall. Overall, 92.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $231,818 -7.3%
45 - 64 $155,402 2.0%
Over 65 $161,964 187.3%
Above poverty level
1,552
Below poverty level
127
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,552 92.4% -9.2%
Below poverty level 127 7.6% 115.2%

Average renter income in Essex

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Essex, their median household income was $31,806 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 70.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,806
Rent-to-income ratio
70.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Essex

Workforce and job types in Essex

The job market in Essex is powered by 1,101 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15% run their own businesses, 50.1% are employed by private companies, and 21.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,101
-4.8% year-over-year change
White collar
967
Blue collar
134
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 967 87.8% -7.5%
Blue collar 134 12.2% 21.8%
Employer type
Self employees
15%
Private companies
50.1%
Governmental workers
21.8%
Not for profit companies
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 165 15% -14.1%
Private companies 552 50.1% 1.5%
Governmental workers 240 21.8% -1.2%
Not for profit companies 144 13.1% -18.6%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
56.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Essex stands at 2.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Essex

How people get around in Essex

Commuting methods vary: 77% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.7% 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 747 77% -2.2%
Railroad 7 0.7% -22.2%
Walk 84 8.7% -17.6%
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
01929 3,621 1,337 $156,442 $208,891

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FAQs about Essex demographics 

What is the total population of Essex?

Essex has a total population of 1,688 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 -4.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Essex?

The gender ratio in Essex is as follows:
  • 48% males (811 residents)
  • 52% females (877 residents)

What is the median age in Essex?

The median age in Essex is 42.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Essex?

The age distribution in Essex is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.3% (241 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.5% (295 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (384 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.8% (553 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.7% (215 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Essex?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Essex is as follows:
  • White: 97.3% (1,643 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (31 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.4% (7 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (7 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Essex.

How many housing units are there in Essex?

There are 579 housing units in Essex, reflecting a -8.4% 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 579 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Essex?

Essex has a median household income of $161,250, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Essex?

The employment rate is 97.8% in Essex, with a workforce of 1,101 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (967 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (134 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15% (165 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.1% (552 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.8% (240 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.1% (144 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