Essex, MA
Population 1,775 · Massachusetts
About Essex, MA
Essex is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,775 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $156,094 per year, which is 108% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.2 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 $774,400, which is 216% above the national median of $244,900. This places Essex in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,750, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 632 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (475 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (157 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Essex shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Essex have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
67.9% of Essex residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Essex With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Essex
What is the population of Essex, MA?
The population of Essex, MA is 1,775 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Essex?
The median household income in Essex, MA is $156,094 per year, which is 108% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Essex?
The median home value in Essex, MA is $774,400, which is 216% 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, MA is $1,750, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Essex?
The unemployment rate in Essex, MA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Essex, MA a good place to live?
Essex offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,775 and a median age of 42.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Essex, MA?
67.9% of residents in Essex aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Essex?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Essex, MA: median home value is $774,400 (216% above national), median rent is $1,750/month, and median household income is $156,094. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Essex?
The poverty rate in Essex, MA is 3.3%, 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, MA?
Essex's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.