Cost of Living in Essex County, NJ
Population 863,002 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Essex County, NJ is $1,531/month, 11% lower than the New Jersey median and 8% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $524,100, 58% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $80,789 a year, 22% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Essex County vs. New Jersey vs. U.S.
| Essex County | New Jersey | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,531 | $1,720 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $524,100 | $454,400 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $80,789 | $103,556 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 44.9% | 63.8% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.1% | 43.6% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 14.6% | 9.7% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.7% | 6.3% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 16.1% | 16.8% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 37.7 | 40.1 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Essex County, NJ?
The median gross rent in Essex County, NJ is $1,531 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Essex County, NJ?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $61,240 a year in gross income.
Is Essex County, NJ expensive to live in?
Rent there is 8% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 6.5 times the median household income.
Other counties in New Jersey
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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