Essex, IA
Population 875 · Iowa
About Essex, IA
Essex is a small community in Iowa with a population of 875 residents. The median household income is $57,344 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Essex is 48 years.
Housing in Essex has a median home value of $87,700 and median monthly rent of $681. Of the 416 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 311 owner-occupied and 83 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Essex is 3.1% and the poverty rate is 9.6%. 16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.9 minutes.
Cost of Living in Essex, IA
Compared to national averages, Essex has a median household income of $57,344 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,700, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $681 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Essex's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 34% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Essex, IA?
Essex offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $681/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,344) that falls below the national average. However, Essex’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Essex has a population of 875 with a median age of 48 years. Compare Essex with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Essex
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton | 875 | $80,714 | $257,000 | Compare |
| Hinton | 881 | $108,125 | $249,400 | Compare |
| Sloan | 884 | $73,750 | $191,400 | Compare |
| Merrill | 885 | $79,250 | $157,200 | Compare |
| Earlville | 864 | $71,125 | $148,100 | Compare |
| Dakota City | 887 | $66,111 | $119,300 | Compare |
| West Bend | 889 | $84,286 | $147,800 | Compare |
| Arcadia | 859 | $69,408 | $139,500 | Compare |
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Essex
What is the population of Essex, IA?
The population of Essex, IA is 875 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Essex?
The median household income in Essex, IA is $57,344 per year.
What is the median home value in Essex?
The median home value in Essex, IA is $87,700.
What is the average rent in Essex?
The median monthly rent in Essex, IA is $681.
What is the unemployment rate in Essex?
The unemployment rate in Essex, IA is 3.1%.