Essex, MA
Population 1,775 · Massachusetts
About Essex, MA
Essex is a small community in Massachusetts with a population of 1,775 residents. The median household income is $156,094 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Essex is 42.2 years.
Housing in Essex has a median home value of $774,400 and median monthly rent of $1,750. Of the 632 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 475 owner-occupied and 157 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Essex is 1.4% and the poverty rate is 3.3%. 67.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.2 minutes.
How Essex Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Essex, MA
Compared to national averages, Essex has a median household income of $156,094 (108% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $774,400, which is 216% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,750 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Essex's income is 48% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 38% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Essex, MA?
Essex offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $156,094, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and a well-educated community where 67.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $774,400. However, Essex’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Essex has a population of 1,775 with a median age of 42.2 years. Compare Essex with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Essex
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourne | 1,765 | $125,366 | $521,100 | Compare |
| Monson Center | 1,794 | $58,603 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Shelburne Falls | 1,755 | $52,604 | $296,000 | Compare |
| Rutland | 1,796 | $102,885 | $357,700 | Compare |
| Hanscom AFB | 1,745 | $101,194 | $0 | Compare |
| Lenox | 1,809 | $58,920 | $411,700 | Compare |
| South Deerfield | 1,822 | $97,250 | $419,100 | Compare |
| Teaticket | 1,728 | $85,669 | $488,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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, MA?
The population of Essex, MA is 1,775 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Essex?
The median household income in Essex, MA is $156,094 per year.
What is the median home value in Essex?
The median home value in Essex, MA is $774,400.
What is the average rent in Essex?
The median monthly rent in Essex, MA is $1,750.
What is the unemployment rate in Essex?
The unemployment rate in Essex, MA is 1.4%.