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 $972/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Virginia median of $1,579 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 26% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Essex County FMR Area are $936 for a studio, $942 for 1‑bedroom, $1,149 for 2‑bedroom, $1,384 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,607 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $177 increase for a 2-bedroom in Essex County shows a 18% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Essex County was 3.9% in 2024, compared to Virginia at 2.9% and the national rate of 4.0%.
