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
Essex County is a county in Massachusetts with a population of 807,258. It ranks #3 among counties in Massachusetts by population. The median age is 41.1, older than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Essex County is $99,431, above the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $584,000, with monthly rent averaging $1,673. The homeownership rate of 64.0% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Essex County reflects 42.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.9 minutes each way.
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.