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 skews on age — the median resident is 47.1, older than the national median. Essex County is a county in Virginia with a population of 10,604.
The typical household here earns about $56,481, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.5%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $228,600, with typical rent around $967.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 36 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 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
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Part of Virginia
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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.
Essex County, VA Climate
Essex County, VA has an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F) and receives about 1079 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14°C
Avg Temp
1079
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 84 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 76 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 92 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 76 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 104 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 93 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 108 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 104 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 94 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 83 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 82 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 83 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, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Essex County, VA are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Essex County
Visiting or relocating to Essex County, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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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.