Essex County, VT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,982
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,294/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,952
0.8% year-over-year change

Essex County population

How many people live in Essex County

Essex County is home to 5,982 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Essex County locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
5,982
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
3,029
Female
49.4%
2,953
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,029 50.6% 0.7%
Female 2,953 49.4% -0.4%
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 County is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19% of the population, while another 30.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
19%
45 to 64
30.1%
Over 65
27.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 812 13.6% -2.9%
15 to 24 581 9.7% -0.5%
25 to 44 1,139 19% 3.1%
45 to 64 1,799 30.1% -2.9%
Over 65 1,651 27.6% 3.6%
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 County, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,765 96.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 152 2.5% 10.9%
Non-citizens 65 1.1% -3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.7%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 5,606 93.7%
Black or African American 4 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 41 0.7%
Asian 62 1%
Two or more races 267 4.5%
Other 2 0%

Households in Essex County

A peek inside Essex County households

Essex County has 2,823 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.7% are families, while the remaining 42.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,823
3.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,193
Family households
1,630
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,193 42.3% 11.4%
Family households 1,630 57.7% -1.7%
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 County

The housing landscape of Essex County

Essex County's housing consists of 4,952 units, with 81.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 10.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,952
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,026 81.3%
1 unit, attached 31 0.6%
2 units 114 2.3%
3 or 4 units 92 1.9%
5 to 9 units 82 1.7%
10 to 19 units 21 0.4%
20 to 49 units 67 1.4%
Mobile home 511 10.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
23
9.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Essex County

In Essex County, the median construction year is 1973. About 27.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.6% 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 1,357 27.4% -4.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 130 2.6% 11.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 415 8.4% 6.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 356 7.2% 2.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 665 13.4% 2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 577 11.6% 6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 446 9% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 803 16.2% 3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 180 3.6% -4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.5% 9.5%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,823 occupied housing units in Essex County, 82.4% are owner-occupied, while 17.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 43% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,823
3.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
496
Owner occupied
2,327
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 496 17.6% 8.1%
Owner occupied 2,327 82.4% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
43.0%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Essex County come to a median of $906 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $827.

Median housing costs per month
$906/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 County
$827/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 County

Essex County education at a glance

About 48.1% of the population in Essex County went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 13.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 182 3.6% 9.6%
High school diploma 2,398 48.1% -0.2%
College diploma 933 18.7% -2.3%
Associate degree 405 8.1% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 652 13.1% 6.5%
Graduate degree 413 8.3% 3.5%
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 County

How much people earn in Essex County

The average annual household income in Essex County was $79,239 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,294, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Essex County
$79,239/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Essex County
$59,294/year
0.5% year-over-year change

Essex County income by age

In Essex County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,833. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,269 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,466 in earnings. Overall, 86.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,125 2.9%
25 - 44 $70,833 0.5%
45 - 64 $73,269 8.9%
Over 65 $45,466 0.5%
Above poverty level
5,115
Below poverty level
828
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,115 86.1% 0.6%
Below poverty level 828 13.9% -2.6%

Employment in Essex County

Workforce and job types in Essex County

The job market in Essex County is powered by 2,685 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.2% run their own businesses, 48.6% are employed by private companies, and 24.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,685
2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,854
Blue collar
831
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,854 69% 4.6%
Blue collar 831 31% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
16.2%
Private companies
48.6%
Governmental workers
24.5%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 436 16.2% 10.1%
Private companies 1,306 48.6% -3.9%
Governmental workers 657 24.5% 18.6%
Not for profit companies 286 10.6% -5.9%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
-12.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Essex County stands at 4.8%, 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 County

How people get around in Essex County

In Essex County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,263 86.5% 2.1%
Walk 70 2.7% -13.6%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
05824 1,155 538 $72,500 $81,487
05837 301 154 $60,781 $67,014
05846 1,315 620 $46,278 $76,402
05858 340 156 $66,500 $80,247
05901 9 9 $0 $0
05902 104 47 $45,625 $48,357
05903 801 384 $56,397 $74,416
05904 187 88 $54,722 $73,065
05905 968 441 $91,950 $101,004
05906 1,210 551 $51,106 $73,209

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FAQs about Essex County demographics 

What is the total population of Essex County?

Essex County has a total population of 5,982 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 County?

The gender ratio in Essex County is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (3,029 residents)
  • 49.4% females (2,953 residents)

What is the median age in Essex County?

The median age in Essex County is 51.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Essex County?

The age distribution in Essex County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (812 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (581 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19% (1,139 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.1% (1,799 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.6% (1,651 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Essex County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Essex County is as follows:
  • White: 93.7% (5,606 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (41 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (62 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (267 residents)
  • Other: 0% (2 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Essex County.

How many housing units are there in Essex County?

There are 4,952 housing units in Essex County, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Essex County has a total of 2,823 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Essex County?

Essex County has a median household income of $59,294, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.2% in Essex County, with a workforce of 2,685 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69% (1,854 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31% (831 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.2% (436 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.6% (1,306 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.5% (657 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (286 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