COUNTY · 1990 CENSUS

Essex County

Massachusetts · 670,080 residents · 492.513 sq mi

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The short version

Essex County is wealthier than most US places, with a median household income of $37,913. Population has declined 7% since 2000. Median home value is $176,400.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Mid-age

median age 34.5

US median: 33.0

More educated

26% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Stable housing

home values roughly flat, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

670,080

−7%vs 2000

vs 723,419 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

1,361 / sq mi

−7%vs 2000

vs 1,469 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

34.5

−8%vs 2000

vs 37.5 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

2024813K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$37,913

−3%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $51,576 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$17,586

−33%vs 2000

vs $26,358 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

9.3%

+0.3 ptsvs 2000

vs 8.9% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$176,400

+12%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $206,800 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$597

+18%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $665 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

61.2%

−2.4 ptsvs 2000

vs 63.5% in 2000

38.8% rent

Afford Score

4.7

+16%vs 2000

vs 4.0 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in Essex County on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic83.1%(601,340)

Black2%(14,399)

Hispanic / Latino11%(79,871)

Asian2.3%(16,737)

Other0%

Diversity Score34.2%(247,635)

1990

White, non-Hispanic92.1%(617,002)

Black2.3%(15,123)

Hispanic / Latino7.1%(47,443)

Asian1.4%(9,594)

Other4.2%(28,361)

Diversity Score31.8%(212,755)

Diversity Score

−7%vs 2000

vs 34 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

25.9%

−5.3 ptsvs 2000

vs 31.3% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

80.2%

−4.4 ptsvs 2000

vs 84.6% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

9.4%

−2.4 ptsvs 2000

vs 11.7% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

21.9 min

+10%vs 2000

vs 19.9 min in 2000

US average: 21.9

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Essex County

Head to head

Compare Essex County to nearby counties

ESSEX COUNTY VS

Suffolk County

Income$95,631+152%

Home value$705,800+300%

Population791,891−4%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

ESSEX COUNTY VS

Rockingham County

Income$118,331+212%

Home value$497,500+182%

Population324,077−61%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

ESSEX COUNTY VS

Middlesex County

Income$130,847+245%

Home value$727,800+313%

Population1,669,979+102%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

ESSEX COUNTY VS

Norfolk County

Income$130,739+245%

Home value$683,900+288%

Population739,749−11%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

Frequently asked

How many people live in Essex County, Massachusetts?

Essex County, Massachusetts has about 670,080 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Essex County, Massachusetts?

The typical household in Essex County, Massachusetts earns about $37,913 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Essex County, Massachusetts expensive?

In Essex County, Massachusetts, the median home is worth about $176,400, and the typical rent is about $597 a month.

How educated are people in Essex County, Massachusetts?

About 25.9% of adults age 25 and over in Essex County, Massachusetts hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Essex County, Massachusetts?

About 9.3% of people in Essex County, Massachusetts live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →