Essex County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 115th-largest in Virginia
The population of Essex County, Virginia is 10,604 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 115th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $56,481, the median home value is $228,600, and the median age is 47.1.
The population of Essex County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (11,145 → 10,683), a -0.30% annualized rate.
10,604
Population
-0.30%
Annual growth
41
People / sq mi
$56,481
Median Income
$228,600
Median Home Value
Essex County covers 257 sq mi of land at 41.2 people per square mile.
About Essex County, VA
Essex County is a county in Virginia with a population of 10,604. It ranks #115 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 47.1, older than the national median. The population is 45.5% male and 54.5% female.
The median household income in Essex County is $56,481, below the US median of $74,580. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $228,600, with monthly rent averaging $967. The homeownership rate of 68.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Essex County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 35.5 minutes each way.
Essex County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Essex County had a population of 11,145 in 2010 and 10,683 in 2024, a -4.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,168 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.30%.
10,683
Population (2024)
11,145
Population (2010)
11,168
Peak (2011)
-0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,145 |
| 2011 | 11,168 |
| 2012 | 11,133 |
| 2013 | 11,158 |
| 2014 | 11,066 |
| 2015 | 11,091 |
| 2016 | 11,073 |
| 2017 | 10,960 |
| 2018 | 10,889 |
| 2019 | 10,936 |
| 2020 | 10,597 |
| 2021 | 10,572 |
| 2022 | 10,644 |
| 2023 | 10,618 |
| 2024 | 10,683 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.9% |
| Black or African American | 37.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.1
Median Age
54.5%
Female
45.5%
Male
23.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.1% · Seniors (65+): 23.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,481$-34,493 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,330 |
| Per-capita income | $32,839 |
| Poverty rate | 10.5%+3.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Essex County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
75.4%
Public transit
11.7%
Work from home
35.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$228,600$-132,100 vs state
Median home value
$967
Median rent
68.9%
Homeownership rate
5,785
Total housing units
76.0%
Occupied
24.0%
Vacant
31.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.9%
With health insurance
87.2%
With broadband internet
21.7%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
93.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.7%
High School+
17.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Essex County, Virginia has a population of 10,604 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 115th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 41 people per square mile.
The population of Essex County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (11,145 → 10,683), a -0.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Essex County, Virginia is $56,481, with mean (average) household income of $75,330 and per-capita income of $32,839. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Essex County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (55.9%), Black or African American (37.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Essex County, Virginia is 47.1 years. Residents are 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
The median home value in Essex County is $228,600 and median monthly rent is $967. 68.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,785 total housing units, 24.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Essex County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Essex County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.