IncomeBy County

Essex County, New Jersey

Income Data

-24% vs. New Jersey average
$76,712
Median Household Income
$48,021
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$76,712
-24% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$48,021
+22% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
15.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in New Jersey
#20 / 21
by median household income

How Essex County Compares

Essex County$76,712
New Jersey Average$100,891
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$76,712
Median Household Income
$48,021
Per Capita Income
$494,400
Median Home Value
15.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Essex County, New Jersey

Essex matches national income, below potential

Essex County's median household income of $76,712 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, indicating average U.S. earning power. However, Essex's urban density and proximity to New York City suggest income potential exceeding this baseline, indicating economic underperformance relative to geography.

Below state average despite urban advantages

Essex's $76,712 income trails New Jersey's state average of $100,891 by $24,179, reflecting the county's concentrations of lower-wage urban employment. Despite housing major employment centers and dense professional networks, Essex lags affluent suburban counties by substantial margins.

Underperforms Atlantic, trails Burlington significantly

Essex's $76,712 median nearly matches Atlantic ($76,819) but substantially trails Burlington ($105,271) and Gloucester ($102,807). The gap highlights how urban density does not automatically translate to higher median incomes—employment sector composition matters more than geography alone.

High housing costs strain affordability

Essex's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio is among the state's highest, reflecting expensive urban housing and lower incomes combining to create tight budgets. The median home value of $494,400 represents 6.4 years of gross household income—making homeownership out of reach for many Essex families without substantial assistance.

Focus on income growth and cost control

Essex households should prioritize career advancement, professional certifications, and higher-wage sector employment to improve income trajectories. Simultaneously, cutting housing costs through roommates, relocation, or shared ownership models preserves capital for retirement and long-term wealth building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Essex County, New Jersey?
The median household income in Essex County, New Jersey is $76,712, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Essex County?
The per capita income in Essex County is $48,021, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $76,712.
How does Essex County compare to the New Jersey average?
Essex County's median household income of $76,712 is lower than the New Jersey state average of $100,891. The per capita income is $48,021, compared to the state average of $52,255.
What is the per capita income in Essex County, New Jersey?
The per capita income in Essex County, New Jersey is $48,021, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Essex County a low-income area in New Jersey?
Essex County's median household income of $76,712 is below the New Jersey average of $100,891. The per capita income of $48,021 is also lower than the state average of $52,255. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Essex County rank for income in New Jersey?
Essex County ranks #20 out of 21 counties in New Jersey by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $76,712 and per capita income of $48,021, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Essex County

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Your income is above the Essex County median

County median: $76,712 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-24%

vs. National Median

+3%

vs. Essex County MedianAbout equal
vs. New Jersey Average▼ 24% below
vs. National Median▲ 3% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.4x

Your monthly income ($6,393) vs. median rent ($1,459/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Tazewell County
Illinois
$76,704
+0%
Ottawa County
Kansas
$76,755
+0%
Bonneville County
Idaho
$76,646
+0%
Nome Census Area
Alaska
$76,643
+0%
Atlantic County
New Jersey
$76,819
+0%
Gaines County
Texas
$76,605
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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