Median Income
$63,854
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,600
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
432/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Essex Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population373
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density1,286/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans16.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,854
Per Capita$27,829
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty6.7%
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,600
Rent$625
Ownership74.9%
Zillow$159,666
Housing Units251
Rent Burden31.4%
Crime
F
Violent432/100K
Property2,160/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault216/100K
Burglary1,080/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking23.5%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days248/yr
Elevation302 ft (92 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+77.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute20 min
Broadband95.2%
EV Stations3
Is Essex a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Essex receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Essex has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Essex is $63,854, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Essex is $115,600, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,160 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Essex enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Essex has a population of 373 with a density of 1,286 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 74.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Essex is $63,854, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,829 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,854 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,829 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.4% |
The median home value in Essex is $115,600, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,666, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 251 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. 31.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,600 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,666 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.1% |
| Housing Units | 251 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
In Essex, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 23.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 34.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Essex vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.5% |
| 68% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.2% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 74.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 50.8% |
Food & Exercise
Essex has a violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 216.0 per 100,000, robbery at 216.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,160 per 100,000, 10% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 648, burglary at 1,080, vehicle theft at 432 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Essex receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Essex vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 432.0/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 216.0/100K |
| Assault | 216.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,159.8/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,079.9/100K |
| Theft | 648.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 432.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Essex enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 248 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 302 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 248 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 302 ft (92 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,286/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8126°N, 89.8615°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Malden Regional (MAW)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
413 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
44 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
27 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
86 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
112 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
122 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
97 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
81 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
77 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
117 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
40 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
76 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
45 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
84 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
111 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 129 fatalities, 1,194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
75 km |
57 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
85 km |
17 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
16 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2002 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
143 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
66 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
MCKENZIE HILL |
2,722 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
BRAWLEY HOLLOW |
1,575 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
12 LONGBAY |
1,432 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
72 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
65 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,147 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
20 LONGBAY |
1,128 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
65 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
839 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
UPALIKA 3 AND 4 HARMONY 3 |
824 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
ESSMAN 4 GOOSECREEK 1 3 4 7 8 |
823 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Essex has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Essex
What is the population of Essex?
Essex has a population of 373 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,286 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Essex expensive to live in?
Essex is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,854, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,600 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Essex safe?
The violent crime rate in Essex is 432 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,160 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Essex receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Essex?
Essex enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 248 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 3.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Essex?
The job market in Essex is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Essex?
The median home value in Essex is $115,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,666. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.9%.
How are the schools in Essex?
Schools in Essex score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.4% of adults in Essex hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Essex?
The obesity rate in Essex is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.5% of adults are smokers. 34.2% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Essex?
The average commute in Essex is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Essex?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Essex is 98.1% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.1% of the population are military veterans. 23.0% of residents have a disability. 74.3% have health insurance coverage.
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