Special Interest
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 $934/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the New York median of $1,621 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 29% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Essex County FMR Area are $945 for a studio, $957 for 1‑bedroom, $1,256 for 2‑bedroom, $1,542 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,743 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $322 increase for a 2-bedroom in Essex County shows a 34% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Essex County was 3.5% in 2024, compared to New York at 4.3% and the national rate of 4.0%.
