Cost of Living in Essex County, MA
Population 813,054 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Essex County, MA is $1,756/month, about the same as the Massachusetts median and 24% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $619,100, 86% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $101,883 a year, about the same as the state median.
Affordability
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Essex County vs. Massachusetts vs. U.S.
| Essex County | Massachusetts | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,756 | $1,762 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $619,100 | $562,100 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $101,883 | $103,960 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 63.5% | 62.5% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 43.0% | 47.3% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 9.4% | 10.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 5.2% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 16.4% | 18.6% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 41.2 | 40.0 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Essex County, MA?
The median gross rent in Essex County, MA is $1,756 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Essex County, MA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $70,240 a year in gross income.
Is Essex County, MA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 24% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 6.1 times the median household income.
Other counties in Massachusetts
Counties with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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