Essex, MD
Population 40,670 · Maryland
About Essex, MD
Essex is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 40,670 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,082 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Essex features a median home value of $253,500, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Essex in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,307, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,142 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (9,234 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (6,785 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Essex shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Essex have an average one-way commute time of 30.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.0% 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 2.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 8.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Essex Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Essex, MD
Compared to national averages, Essex has a median household income of $67,082 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $253,500, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,307 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Essex's income is 38% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 37% below the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Essex, MD?
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,082) 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 40,670 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Essex with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Essex
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | 40,744 | $104,257 | $510,200 | Compare |
| Woodlawn CDP (Baltimore County), Maryland | 40,476 | $78,591 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Severna Park | 39,499 | $168,091 | $633,600 | Compare |
| Clinton | 38,756 | $120,967 | $400,300 | Compare |
| Catonsville | 42,717 | $110,051 | $405,800 | Compare |
| Hagerstown | 43,490 | $49,957 | $207,700 | Compare |
| Olney | 36,000 | $171,766 | $632,400 | Compare |
| Randallstown | 35,975 | $88,544 | $306,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
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, MD?
The population of Essex, MD is 40,670 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Essex?
The median household income in Essex, MD is $67,082 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Essex?
The median home value in Essex, MD is $253,500, which is 4% above 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, MD is $1,307, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Essex?
The unemployment rate in Essex, MD is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Essex, MD a good place to live?
Essex offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 40,670 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Essex, MD?
19.0% 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, MD: median home value is $253,500 (4% above national), median rent is $1,307/month, and median household income is $67,082. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Essex?
The poverty rate in Essex, MD is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Essex, MD?
Essex's population is 2.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 33.1% two or more races. 8.3% of residents are foreign-born.