Median Income
$101,094
35% higher than US avg
Home Value
$219,000
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,147
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Essex Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population956
Median Age31.6 yrs
Density410/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans2.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$101,094
Per Capita$43,264
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$6,044M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$219,000
Rent$1,147
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$281,077
Rent Burden11.1%
Health
Obesity37.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Elevation590 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+95.4%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute31 min
Broadband91.6%
Libraries3
Is Essex a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Essex receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Essex stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Essex is $101,094, which is significantly higher than the national average — 35% above $75,149. This places Essex among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Essex is $219,000, 22% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,147 per month. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Essex experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Essex has a population of 956 with a density of 410 people per square mile. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (94.5%).
Population
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.5% |
| 89% below US avg |
The median household income in Essex is $101,094, which is 35% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,094 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,264 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,344 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,890 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,204 |
| County GDP | $6,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 145 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.4% |
The median home value in Essex is $219,000, 22% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,147 (1% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,077.
Home Values
| Census Median | $219,000 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $281,077 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,147 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,618 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Essex, 37.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.7% report depression. 20.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Essex vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 145 |
Crime Rates: Essex vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
Safety Score
Essex has an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 37.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 37.7 inches |
| 1% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 23.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 590 ft (180 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1831°N, 88.1924°W |
| County FIPS | 17063 |