Median Income
$57,344
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,700
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
20/100K
95% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.3%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$681
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Essex Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population875
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density534/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,344
Per Capita$33,671
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$811M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,700
Rent$681
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$177,567
Housing Units419
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent20/100K
Property931/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking14.9%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation997 ft (304 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.3%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.44
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute20 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Essex a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Essex receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Essex offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Essex is $57,344, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Essex is $87,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Essex is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 931 per 100,000, 53% below the national average.
Education
16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Essex experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 26.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Essex has a population of 875 with a density of 534 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Essex is $57,344, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,671 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 482 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,344 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,671 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 482 |
| County GDP | $811M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,347 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Essex is $87,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,567, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $681 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 419 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $3,347. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,567 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $681 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 419 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,347 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.82% |
In Essex, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,900. The dentist ratio is 1:1,010. 73.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Essex vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,900 |
| Dentists | 1:1,010 |
| Mental Health | 1:417 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Essex has a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, 95% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 931 per 100,000, 53% below the U.S. average. Overall, Essex receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Essex vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 19.8/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 930.5/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Essex experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. The area receives 26.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 997 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 997 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 534/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8328°N, 95.3053°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Page County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
67 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
30 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
640 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 490 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
33 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
19 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
49 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
81 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Essex has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Essex. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $670 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Essex
What is the population of Essex?
Essex has a population of 875 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 534 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Essex expensive to live in?
Essex is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,344, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,700 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Essex safe?
Essex is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 20 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 931 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Essex receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Essex?
Essex has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 26.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Essex?
The job market in Essex is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 482 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Essex?
The median home value in Essex is $87,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,567. For renters, the median monthly rent is $681. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,347.
How are the schools in Essex?
Schools in Essex score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.3% of adults in Essex hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Essex?
The obesity rate in Essex is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 73.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,900.
What is transportation like in Essex?
The average commute in Essex is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Essex?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Essex is 90.9% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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