Essex County, New Jersey Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Essex County is located in New Jersey with a total population of 854,130. It is the 3rd most populous county out of 21 in New Jersey. The county encompasses 7 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Essex County is 37.7 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Essex County is $76,712. This is 24% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%. This is 54% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. The unemployment rate is 8.3%. This is 35% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $494,400. Housing costs are 16% higher than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.4x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 44.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% lower than the state average of 63.7%.

Race & Ethnicity

Essex County is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 27.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (36.0% vs 12.3%).

Education

37.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.8%. Notably, 15.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.