Essex, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,580
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,168/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,128
-0.1% year-over-year change

Essex population

How many people live in Essex

Essex is home to 40,580 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of Essex locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
40,580
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
18,990
Female
53.2%
21,590
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,990 46.8% 0.0%
Female 21,590 53.2% -0.5%
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 17.1% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 28% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.1%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
28%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,941 17.1% -5.4%
15 to 24 5,475 13.5% 10.0%
25 to 44 9,496 23.4% -6.2%
45 to 64 11,357 28% -2.6%
Over 65 7,311 18% 11.3%
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, 90.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.9% of locals are Caucasian, 29.7% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,572 90.1% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,821 7% -4.7%
Non-citizens 1,187 2.9% 8.8%
Racial breakdown
White
55.9%
Black or African American
29.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 22,679 55.9%
Black or African American 12,064 29.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 65 0.2%
Asian 603 1.5%
Two or more races 3,684 9.1%
Other 1,485 3.7%

Households in Essex

A peek inside Essex households

Essex has 16,053 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 60.8% are families, while the remaining 39.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,053
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,286
Family households
9,767
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,286 39.2% -0.6%
Family households 9,767 60.8% 0.7%
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 17,128 units, with 38.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 35.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,128
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,669 38.9%
1 unit, attached 6,150 35.9%
2 units 343 2%
3 or 4 units 475 2.8%
5 to 9 units 594 3.5%
10 to 19 units 1,821 10.6%
20 to 49 units 195 1.1%
50 or more units 732 4.3%
Mobile home 149 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
91
295.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Essex

In Essex, the median construction year is 1965. About 6.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% 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 1,071 6.2% -9.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,997 11.7% -6.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,159 24.3% -0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,672 15.6% 0.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,146 12.5% 17.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,234 7.2% -11.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,428 8.3% -13.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,545 9% 14.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 785 4.6% 4.8%
Built in 2020 or later 91 0.5% 295.6%
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 16,053 occupied housing units in Essex, 61.3% are owner-occupied, while 38.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,053
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,207
Owner occupied
9,846
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,207 38.7% -8.5%
Owner occupied 9,846 61.3% 6.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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 $1,340 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,319.

Median housing costs per month
$1,340/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
$1,319/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 48.7% of the population in Essex went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,671 5.3% -2.7%
High school diploma 15,442 48.7% -0.3%
College diploma 6,483 20.4% 1.8%
Associate degree 2,144 6.8% -12.6%
Bachelor's degree 4,005 12.6% 11.2%
Graduate degree 1,987 6.3% -4.3%
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 $87,915 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,168, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Essex
$87,915/year
-2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Essex
$67,168/year
0.1% 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 $77,982. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,635 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,576 in earnings. Overall, 87.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,250 -8.2%
25 - 44 $77,982 3.0%
45 - 64 $80,635 -4.3%
Over 65 $44,576 0.2%
Above poverty level
34,849
Below poverty level
5,050
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 34,849 87.3% 0.2%
Below poverty level 5,050 12.7% -0.5%

Average renter income in Essex

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Essex, their median household income was $45,110 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,110
Rent-to-income ratio
35.1%
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 20,249 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 64.5% are employed by private companies, and 20.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20,249
-2.9% year-over-year change
White collar
15,230
Blue collar
5,019
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,230 75.2% -2.3%
Blue collar 5,019 24.8% -4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
64.5%
Governmental workers
20.4%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,259 6.2% -0.1%
Private companies 13,066 64.5% -7.4%
Governmental workers 4,141 20.4% 11.6%
Not for profit companies 1,783 8.8% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
14.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Essex stands at 6.2%, 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: 85.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 16,914 85.3% -0.1%
Taxicab 17 0.1% 21.4%
Bus or trolleybus 785 4% -35.8%
Railroad 24 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 48 0.2% -27.3%
Walk 212 1.1% -7.8%
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.

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FAQs about Essex demographics 

What is the total population of Essex?

Essex has a total population of 40,580 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Essex?

The gender ratio in Essex is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (18,990 residents)
  • 53.2% females (21,590 residents)

What is the median age in Essex?

The median age in Essex is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Essex?

The age distribution in Essex is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.1% (6,941 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (5,475 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (9,496 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28% (11,357 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (7,311 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Essex?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Essex is as follows:
  • White: 55.9% (22,679 residents)
  • Black or African American: 29.7% (12,064 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (65 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (603 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (3,684 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (1,485 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.1% of the population in Essex.

How many housing units are there in Essex?

There are 17,128 housing units in Essex, reflecting a -0.1% 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 16,053 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Essex?

Essex has a median household income of $67,168, representing a +0.1% 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 93.8% in Essex, with a workforce of 20,249 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.2% (15,230 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.8% (5,019 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (1,259 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.5% (13,066 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.4% (4,141 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (1,783 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