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Housing in Essex County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Essex County averages $1,531/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the New Jersey median of $1,720 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 36% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Essex County FMR Area are $1,752 for a studio, $1,980 for 1‑bedroom, $2,396 for 2‑bedroom, $3,000 for 3‑bedroom, and $3,409 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $865 increase for a 2-bedroom in Essex County shows a 56% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Essex County was 5.5% in 2024, compared to New Jersey at 4.5% and the national rate of 4.0%.
