RANK #357 / 996 · POP 806,103 · MA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.3%
Essex County, Massachusetts, stands out for its rich maritime history and diverse coastal communities, such as Salem, known for its historic architecture and colonial past. Located northeast of Boston, with Salem just 16 miles away, the county offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty. Commute options to Boston include driving, which takes about 39 minutes, or taking a taxi and train, approximately a 1 hour and 9 minute journey. The region boasts extensive outdoor recreation, including the scenic Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, which links 14 coastal communities, and numerous state parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation areas like the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Crane Beach. These areas provide opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, biking, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Life in Essex County attracts families and individuals seeking a balance of community and access to natural amenities. The public schools in Essex County are generally above average, with Masconomet Regional High School, Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, and Lynnfield High School among the top-ranked. The economy is diverse, with growing sectors including Financial Activities, Healthcare and Social Assistance, and Professional and Business Services. Tourism also plays a role, with nearly $1.2 billion spent in the county in 2024. While most residents drive to work, public transportation options, including commuter rail and bus services, connect many towns within the county and to Boston.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.9x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Essex County has a Boom Town Index score of 64/100, ranking #357 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $94,378, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Essex County is $535,300 with median rent at $1,580/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1763, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed +1.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.29% of Essex County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.