Essex County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in New York
The population of Essex County, New York is 37,077 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in New York. The median household income is $70,215, the median home value is $200,000, and the median age is 49.5.
The population of Essex County has declined 6.6% since 2010 (39,359 → 36,744), a -0.49% annualized rate.
37,077
Population
-0.49%
Annual growth
21
People / sq mi
$70,215
Median Income
$200,000
Median Home Value
Essex County covers 1,794 sq mi of land at 20.7 people per square mile.
About Essex County, NY
Essex County is a county in New York with a population of 37,077. It ranks #56 among counties in New York by population. The median age is 49.5, older than the national median. The population is 51.5% male and 48.5% female.
The median household income in Essex County is $70,215, below the US median of $74,580. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $200,000, with monthly rent averaging $890. The homeownership rate of 78.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Essex County reflects 31.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.
Essex County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Essex County had a population of 39,359 in 2010 and 36,744 in 2024, a -6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 39,359 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.49%.
36,744
Population (2024)
39,359
Population (2010)
39,359
Peak (2010)
-0.49%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 39,359 |
| 2011 | 39,277 |
| 2012 | 38,884 |
| 2013 | 38,610 |
| 2014 | 38,333 |
| 2015 | 37,973 |
| 2016 | 37,695 |
| 2017 | 37,521 |
| 2018 | 37,309 |
| 2019 | 36,987 |
| 2020 | 37,288 |
| 2021 | 37,246 |
| 2022 | 36,788 |
| 2023 | 36,796 |
| 2024 | 36,744 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.9% |
| Black or African American | 2.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.5
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
25.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.6% · Seniors (65+): 25.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,215$-14,363 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,245 |
| Per-capita income | $40,807 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Essex County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
4.3%
Carpool
73.0%
Public transit
11.0%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$200,000$-203,000 vs state
Median home value
$890
Median rent
78.1%
Homeownership rate
25,318
Total housing units
63.4%
Occupied
36.6%
Vacant
21.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
25.8%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
17.3%
With a disability
93.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
31.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New York
Other counties in New York
Part of New York
Metro areas in New York
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Essex County, New York has a population of 37,077 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in New York. Population density is 21 people per square mile.
The population of Essex County has declined 6.6% since 2010 (39,359 → 36,744), a -0.49% annualized rate.
The median household income in Essex County, New York is $70,215, with mean (average) household income of $92,245 and per-capita income of $40,807. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Essex County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.9%), Black or African American (2.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Essex County, New York is 49.5 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Essex County is $200,000 and median monthly rent is $890. 78.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 25,318 total housing units, 36.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Essex County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Essex County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
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Statewide data for New York
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New York
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.