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City Report · MD

Essex

Pop. 40,580·94th most expensive in Maryland·Essex rents have dropped 32.1%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,352/mo
Year-over-Year
-32.1%
Month-over-Month
-7.5%
vs US Median
-$613
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Essex · $1,352
More affordable than 85% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
100/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 30% below what Essex's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,352/mo
Expected by trend
$1,920/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Essex's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,250
1 BR
$1,430
2 BR
$1,750
3 BR
$2,270
4 BR+
$2,570
Research median
$1,750/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,224/yr
At $1,352/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 32.1% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-32.1% YoY, -7.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Essex, MD is majority owner-occupied, 19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
40,580
Median income
$67,168
Median age
41.8
Renters
38.7%
Age distribution
21.8%
19.9%
26.9%
13.4%
18%
Under 1821.8%
18–3419.9%
35–5426.9%
55–6413.4%
65+18%
Gender
46.8%
53.2%
Male46.8%
Female53.2%
Race & ethnicity
55.9%
29.7%
White55.9%
Black29.7%
Hispanic6.2%
Asian1.5%
Other6.7%
Education (25+)
13.7%
39.8%
26.5%
19.9%
No HS diploma13.7%
HS diploma39.8%
Some college26.5%
Bachelor's+19.9%
Housing tenure
61.3%
38.7%
Owner61.3%
Renter38.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Essex, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,515 → $1,352
down 10.8%
Income
$59,914 → $67,168
up 12.1%
Population
40,710 → 40,580
down 0.3%
Renter share
41.4% → 38.7%
-2.7 pts
Bachelor's+
16.2% → 19.9%
+3.7 pts
Median age
38.9 → 41.8
+2.9 yrs

The median rent in Essex, MD stood at $1,515 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,352, reflecting a 10.8% decrease over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Essex, MD now reports about $67,168, up from $59,914 in 2021. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. Renters now make up 38.7% of households, compared with 41.4% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 19.9% of adults here, versus 16.2% in 2021. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Essex, MD reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Essex

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View Essex rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Essex on your salary?

At $1,352/mo, how Essex rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Essex rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Essex. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Essex

About renting in Essex, MD

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Essex is $1,352/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,250/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,750/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,430/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,270/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($67,168/yr), Essex ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 32.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Essex an affordable city for renters?

Essex is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,352/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($67,168/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Essex falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Essex?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $54,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,352/mo in Essex. The local median household income is $67,168/yr, meaning the typical Essex household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Essex?

Rent in Essex has decreased 32.1% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Essex rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

Essex is one of the more affordable cities in Maryland for rent, ranking #94 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,352/mo.

What percentage of Essex residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 38.7% of Essex households are renters, while 61.3% are owner-occupied. Essex leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Essex rent compare to the national average?

Essex's median rent of $1,352/mo is $613 (31%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #94 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,352/mo, rent takes ~24% of Essex's median household income ($67,168/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Essex 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Essex affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Essex
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Essex, MD

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