Essex, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
413
10.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,536/yr
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
264
1.9% year-over-year change

Essex population

How many people live in Essex

Essex is home to 413 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.8% of Essex locals are male, and 46.2% are female.

Total population
413
10.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.8%
222
Female
46.2%
191
Value Percent YoY change
Male 222 53.8% 16.2%
Female 191 46.2% 5.0%
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 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.3% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
29.3%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 59 14.3% 59.5%
15 to 24 61 14.8% -1.6%
25 to 44 121 29.3% 34.4%
45 to 64 117 28.3% -4.9%
Over 65 55 13.3% -9.8%
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, 99.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 412 99.8% 10.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 384 93%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.2%
Two or more races 28 6.8%

Households in Essex

A peek inside Essex households

Essex has 179 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 72.1% are families, while the remaining 27.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
179
7.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
50
Family households
129
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 50 27.9% 56.2%
Family households 129 72.1% -4.4%
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 264 units, with 66.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
264
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 176 66.7%
2 units 64 24.2%
3 or 4 units 6 2.3%
10 to 19 units 1 0.4%
Mobile home 17 6.4%
Homes built since 2020
3
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Essex

In Essex, the median construction year is 1976. About 24.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 65 24.6% 4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6 2.3% -33.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7 2.6% 16.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 40 15.2% 14.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 25 9.5% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 94 35.6% -5.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8 3% -33.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5 1.9% -16.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 11 4.2% 450.0%
Built in 2020 or later 3 1.1% 0.0%
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 179 occupied housing units in Essex, 68.7% are owner-occupied, while 31.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
179
7.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
56
Owner occupied
123
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 56 31.3% 33.3%
Owner occupied 123 68.7% -1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
32.2%
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 $807 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $694.

Median housing costs per month
$807/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
$694/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 59.9% of the population in Essex went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 35 10.8% 29.6%
High school diploma 194 59.9% 4.3%
College diploma 55 17% 7.8%
Associate degree 24 7.4% 9.1%
Bachelor's degree 13 4% 8.3%
Graduate degree 3 0.9% 200.0%
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 $56,999 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -13.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,536, reflecting a -2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Essex
$56,999/year
-13.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Essex
$62,536/year
-2.1% 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 $74,688. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,357 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $68,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $20,000 in earnings. Overall, 75.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $68,750 N/A
25 - 44 $74,688 1.9%
45 - 64 $63,357 -1.1%
Over 65 $20,000 N/A
Above poverty level
308
Below poverty level
101
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 308 75.3% 1.0%
Below poverty level 101 24.7% 57.8%

Employment in Essex

Workforce and job types in Essex

The job market in Essex is powered by 241 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 1.7% run their own businesses, 91.7% are employed by private companies, and 2.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
241
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
188
Blue collar
53
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 188 78% 6.2%
Blue collar 53 22% -8.6%
Employer type
Self employees
1.7%
Private companies
91.7%
Governmental workers
2.5%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4 1.7% -71.4%
Private companies 221 91.7% 3.3%
Governmental workers 6 2.5% 100.0%
Not for profit companies 10 4.2% 150.0%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Essex stands at 1.6%, 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

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 237 99.2% 2.2%
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
63846 1,239 511 $50,813 $59,161

Explore more communities

FAQs about Essex demographics 

What is the total population of Essex?

Essex has a total population of 413 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 +10.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Essex?

The gender ratio in Essex is as follows:
  • 53.8% males (222 residents)
  • 46.2% females (191 residents)

What is the median age in Essex?

The median age in Essex is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Essex?

The age distribution in Essex is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.3% (59 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (61 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.3% (121 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (117 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.3% (55 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Essex?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Essex is as follows:
  • White: 93% (384 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (28 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Essex.

How many housing units are there in Essex?

There are 264 housing units in Essex, reflecting a +1.9% 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 179 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Essex?

Essex has a median household income of $62,536, representing a -2.1% 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 98.4% in Essex, with a workforce of 241 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78% (188 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22% (53 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 1.7% (4 residents)
  • Private companies: 91.7% (221 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 2.5% (6 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (10 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