
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Essex, Maryland is a mid-sized city with a population of 40,724 inhabitants. In Essex, there are 4,399 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the Essex population is married. Something to be aware of when living in Essex are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Essex can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Maryland, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like amenities, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Essex and in the areas around Essex is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Essex has received a livability score of 78 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 92nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Essex ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Essex is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Essex has higher than average grades for the following: employment (B-) and housing (A+). Essex does not score well for the following: crime (F) and education (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Essex apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Essex. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Essex are affordable. Median real estate prices in Essex come in at $351,817, which is 32% lower than the Maryland average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Essex, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 13% lower than the Maryland average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Essex | Maryland | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 32min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.7% | 73.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.0% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 8.6% | 8.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.3% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 4.4% | 4.6% |