Essex County, Massachusetts Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Massachusetts
The population of Essex County, Massachusetts is 807,258 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Massachusetts. The median household income is $99,431, the median home value is $584,000, and the median age is 41.1.
The population of Essex County has grown 10.5% since 2010 (745,469 → 823,938), a +0.72% annualized rate.
807,258
Population
+0.72%
Annual growth
1639
People / sq mi
$99,431
Median Income
$584,000
Median Home Value
Essex County covers 493 sq mi of land at 1639.1 people per square mile.
About Essex County, MA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Essex County: the median home is valued at $584,000. Essex County is a county in Massachusetts with a population of 807,258. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Massachusetts nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $99,431, above the US median of $78,538. Only 6.7% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $584,000, with typical rent around $1,673.
Essex County is among the best-educated US counties: 42.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. About 14.6% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Essex County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Essex County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Essex County had a population of 745,469 in 2010 and 823,938 in 2024, a 10.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 823,938 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.72%.
823,938
Population (2024)
745,469
Population (2010)
823,938
Peak (2024)
0.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 745,469 |
| 2011 | 751,553 |
| 2012 | 757,409 |
| 2013 | 764,684 |
| 2014 | 771,803 |
| 2015 | 777,228 |
| 2016 | 780,222 |
| 2017 | 785,156 |
| 2018 | 788,823 |
| 2019 | 789,725 |
| 2020 | 807,781 |
| 2021 | 807,315 |
| 2022 | 810,039 |
| 2023 | 816,197 |
| 2024 | 823,938 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.1
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
18.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 18.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $99,431$-1,910 vs state |
| Mean household income | $136,127 |
| Per-capita income | $53,210 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Essex County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
3.7%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
69.3%
Public transit
14.6%
Work from home
28.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$584,000+$58,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,673
Median rent
64.0%
Homeownership rate
328,460
Total housing units
94.9%
Occupied
5.1%
Vacant
36.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.2%
With health insurance
94.8%
With broadband internet
16.3%
Foreign-born
4.4%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
71.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.1%
High School+
42.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Massachusetts
Other counties in Massachusetts
Part of Massachusetts
Metro areas in Massachusetts
County rankings
Common questions about Essex County, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Essex County, Massachusetts has a population of 807,258 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Massachusetts. Population density is 1639 people per square mile.
The population of Essex County has grown 10.5% since 2010 (745,469 → 823,938), a +0.72% annualized rate.
The median household income in Essex County, Massachusetts is $99,431, with mean (average) household income of $136,127 and per-capita income of $53,210. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Essex County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.3%), Black or African American (4.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Essex County, Massachusetts is 41.1 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Essex County is $584,000 and median monthly rent is $1,673. 64.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 328,460 total housing units, 5.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Essex County, Massachusetts is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Boston is among the largest cities associated with Essex County, Massachusetts, with a population of 663,972.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.