Essex, IA
Population 875 · Iowa
About Essex, IA
Essex is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 875 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,344 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Essex features a median home value of $87,700, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Essex one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $681, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 416 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (311 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (83 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Essex shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Essex have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.3% of Essex residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 8.5% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.5% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Essex With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Essex
What is the population of Essex, IA?
The population of Essex, IA is 875 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Essex?
The median household income in Essex, IA is $57,344 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Essex?
The median home value in Essex, IA is $87,700, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Essex?
The median monthly rent in Essex, IA is $681, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Essex?
The unemployment rate in Essex, IA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Essex, IA a good place to live?
Essex offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 875 and a median age of 48, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Essex, IA?
16.3% of residents in Essex aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Essex?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Essex, IA: median home value is $87,700 (64% below national), median rent is $681/month, and median household income is $57,344. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Essex?
The poverty rate in Essex, IA is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Essex, IA?
Essex's population is 8.5% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.