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 skews on age — the median resident is 49.5, older than the national median. Essex County is a county in New York with a population of 37,077.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,215 — below the US median of $78,538. About 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $200,000, with typical rent around $890.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.3%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Essex County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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+
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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.
Essex County, NY Climate
Essex County, NY has an average annual temperature of 3.9°C (39°F) and receives about 1177 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
3.9°C
Avg Temp
1177
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 14° | 79 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 67 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 81 mm |
| April | 2° / 36° | 87 mm |
| May | 10° / 50° | 102 mm |
| June | 14° / 58° | 113 mm |
| July | 17° / 62° | 112 mm |
| August | 16° / 61° | 129 mm |
| September | 12° / 53° | 113 mm |
| October | 6° / 42° | 97 mm |
| November | 0° / 31° | 105 mm |
| December | -7° / 20° | 92 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Essex County, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Essex County, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 23°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Essex County
Visiting or relocating to Essex County, NY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Essex County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.