Essex County, Virginia

Income Data

-25% vs. Virginia average
$56,481
Median Household Income
$32,839
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,481
-25% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,839
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#98 / 133
by median household income

How Essex County Compares

Essex County$56,481
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,481
Median Household Income
$32,839
Per Capita Income
$228,600
Median Home Value
24.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Essex County, Virginia

Essex County moderately underperforms national average

Essex County's median household income of $56,481 runs 24% below the national median of $74,755. While this gap is notable, the county performs better than many rural Virginia communities nationwide.

Essex County income below but closer to state average

Essex County's $56,481 median income trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by about $18,500. Per capita income of $32,839 approaches the state average of $39,155, reflecting moderate economic standing within the state.

Essex County sits in the middle income range

Essex's $56,481 income places it above lower-income communities like Emporia ($49,375) but well below Dinwiddie ($83,898). The county represents a transitional tier between Virginia's most and least prosperous regions.

Housing remains reasonably affordable here

Essex County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% falls comfortably within the affordable range. Despite modest income, median home values of $228,600 are accessible to many households, enabling property ownership.

Homeownership can be a wealth-building strategy

Essex County's reasonable housing costs relative to income make property ownership viable for many residents. Building home equity through ownership often serves as a primary wealth-accumulation strategy for working families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Essex County, Virginia?
The median household income in Essex County, Virginia is $56,481, 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 $32,839, 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 $56,481.
How does Essex County compare to the Virginia average?
Essex County's median household income of $56,481 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $32,839, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Essex County, Virginia?
The per capita income in Essex County, Virginia is $32,839, 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 Virginia?
Essex County's median household income of $56,481 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $32,839 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. 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 Virginia?
Essex County ranks #98 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,481 and per capita income of $32,839, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Essex County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Essex County median

County median: $56,481 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-25%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Essex County MedianAbout equal
vs. Virginia Average25% below
vs. National Median24% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.9x

Your monthly income ($4,707) vs. median rent ($967/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Essex County, Virginia? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Virginia

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.