COUNTY · 1990 CENSUS

Essex County

New Jersey · 778,206 residents · 126.083 sq mi

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The short version

Essex County is wealthier than most US places, with a median household income of $34,518. Population has held roughly steady since 2000. Median home value is $194,400.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Mid-age

median age 33.5

US median: 33.0

More educated

24% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Less affordable

home values up 36%, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

778,206

−2%vs 2000

vs 793,633 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

6,172 / sq mi

−2%vs 2000

vs 6,295 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

33.5

−3%vs 2000

vs 34.7 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

2024863K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$34,518

+1%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $44,944 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$17,574

−30%vs 2000

vs $24,943 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

14.3%

−1.3 ptsvs 2000

vs 15.6% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$194,400

+36%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $188,400 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$528

+3%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $675 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

45.3%

−0.3 ptsvs 2000

vs 45.6% in 2000

54.7% rent

Afford Score

5.6

+34%vs 2000

vs 4.2 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in Essex County on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic37.6%(298,708)

Black40.3%(319,883)

Hispanic / Latino15.4%(122,347)

Asian3.7%(29,141)

Other0%

Diversity Score81.3%(645,141)

1990

White, non-Hispanic51.2%(398,080)

Black40.7%(316,611)

Hispanic / Latino12%(93,210)

Asian2.7%(21,165)

Other5.4%(42,350)

Diversity Score80.6%(627,345)

Diversity Score

−1%vs 2000

vs 81 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

24.0%

−3.5 ptsvs 2000

vs 27.5% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

70.1%

−5.5 ptsvs 2000

vs 75.6% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

9.3%

−1.6 ptsvs 2000

vs 10.9% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

24.4 min

+10%vs 2000

vs 22.2 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

Union County

Income$103,202+199%

Home value$529,200+172%

Population601,863−33%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

ESSEX COUNTY VS

Hudson County

Income$91,795+166%

Home value$539,700+178%

Population735,033−18%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

ESSEX COUNTY VS

New York County

Income$103,931+201%

Home value$1,090,500+461%

Population1,664,862+86%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

ESSEX COUNTY VS

Bergen County

Income$124,884+262%

Home value$623,000+220%

Population977,026+9%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

Frequently asked

How many people live in Essex County, New Jersey?

Essex County, New Jersey has about 778,206 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Essex County, New Jersey?

The typical household in Essex County, New Jersey earns about $34,518 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Essex County, New Jersey expensive?

In Essex County, New Jersey, the median home is worth about $194,400, and the typical rent is about $528 a month.

How educated are people in Essex County, New Jersey?

About 24.0% of adults age 25 and over in Essex County, New Jersey hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Essex County, New Jersey?

About 14.3% of people in Essex County, New Jersey 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 →