countyscore
33.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.6Schools 67.5Soil Quality 65.2

County Report Card

About Essex County, New Jersey

Below the national median ranking

Essex County receives a 33.3 composite score, placing it well behind the national median of 50.0. High environmental risks and tax burdens significantly weigh down the overall ranking.

Underperforming the state average

The county's 33.3 score trails the New Jersey average of 41.4. Despite high income levels, the high cost of living and risk factors make it less competitive within the state.

Strong earnings and school quality

Essex features a robust income score of 79.6, supported by a $76,712 median household income. The county also maintains respectable educational standards with a school score of 67.5.

Critical environmental and cost risks

The county faces an exceptionally low risk score of 2.3 and a tax score of 3.1. High home values near $494,400 further squeeze the budgets of middle-income residents.

A choice for urban-focused professionals

Essex County appeals to professionals who prioritize proximity to major job markets and can afford high real estate prices. It is best for those who value school quality over environmental or tax considerations.

Score breakdown

Tax3.1Cost3.8Safety25.7Health62.7Schools67.5Income79.6Risk2.3Water55.8Weather56.4
🏛3.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Hudson County
New Jersey
33.6
Union County
New Jersey
35.3
Bergen County
New Jersey
48
Richmond County
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New York County
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Kings County
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Passaic County
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Bronx County
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Deep Dives

Essex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Essex County

via TaxByCounty

Essex taxes below national median

Essex County's effective tax rate of 2.023% sits above the national median of 1.56% but remains moderate for the Northeast. With median homes valued at $494,400, residents pay $10,001 annually—representing one of the state's more expensive tax bills despite a below-average rate.

Lower-taxed county in New Jersey

Essex County ranks in the lower half of New Jersey's 21 counties by effective rate at 2.023%, below the state average of 2.211%. This efficiency, combined with Newark's urban amenities and suburban access, makes Essex attractive despite the high absolute tax bills.

Efficiently taxed for the region

Essex's 2.023% rate outperforms nearby Bergen (1.686%) slightly and trails Atlantic (2.475%), but delivers better efficiency than higher-burden counties. For a high-value urban county, Essex's rate is competitive within the North Jersey landscape.

Premium properties, efficient taxes

An Essex County homeowner with the median home value of $494,400 pays $10,001 annually in property taxes. This works out to roughly $833 monthly—a substantial obligation, but notably efficient for such expensive urban and near-urban real estate.

High values make appeals worthwhile

On $494,000+ homes, even a 1% assessment reduction yields thousands in savings—making property tax appeals especially valuable in Essex County. Many high-value homeowners in Newark and surrounding areas have successfully challenged assessments, recouping significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Essex County

via CostByCounty

Essex County rent burden outpaces national standard

Essex County residents spend 22.8% of household income on rent, significantly above the national average of 18.5%. Despite that, the county's median household income of $76,712 slightly exceeds the national median of $74,755—indicating that Essex's high-cost housing absorbs a disproportionate share of already-modest incomes.

Essex ranks among New Jersey's least affordable counties

With a 22.8% rent-to-income ratio, Essex County trails only Cumberland (23.3%) among New Jersey's least affordable counties, well above the state average of 19.1%. The county's $1,459 median rent reflects the urban and suburban density of the Newark metro area.

Renters suffer; homeowners face extreme burdens

Essex County's $1,459 rent sits $314 higher than Atlantic County's $1,325, yet Essex household income runs $65 lower—a combination that pushes renters into the state's worst affordability ratios. Homeowners face even steeper pressure: Essex's $2,710 monthly ownership cost is more than double many neighboring counties' rates.

Homeownership in Essex: prohibitively expensive relative to income

Essex renters spend $1,459 monthly (22.8% of income) while homeowners pay a staggering $2,710 (42.3% of income), revealing a homeownership penalty rare among New Jersey counties. The $494,400 median home value and high property taxes place ownership far beyond reach for typical Essex households.

Essex offers urban access; renters only, buyers beware

If you must live in the Newark metro area and earn average incomes, Essex County rental apartments offer proximity to jobs—but budget accordingly at 22.8% of income. Prospective homebuyers should explore Bergen, Burlington, or Gloucester counties instead; Essex's median home prices ($494,400) consume over 77 months of median household income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Essex County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Essex County

via CrimeByCounty

Essex Stays Below National Crime Average

Essex County reports a total crime rate of 1,823.7 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a respectable safety score of 97.1 for this diverse region.

Safety Profile in the State Context

The county's safety score of 97.1 is just below the New Jersey average of 97.6. Data from 29 agencies shows that while Essex is safer than the national average, it remains more active than the state average.

Essex vs. Northern Neighbors

Essex County's crime rate of 1,823.7 per 100K is higher than neighboring Bergen County (1,104.1). This reflects the urban nature of many municipalities within Essex compared to more suburban neighbors.

Violent Crime Below National Norms

Violent crime in Essex is reported at 296.7 per 100K, staying below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,527.0 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Security Systems Deter Local Property Crime

Residents can improve their safety by installing visible security cameras and alarm systems. Proactive community policing and neighborhood engagement continue to help manage property crime risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Essex County

via HealthByCounty

Essex County slightly above U.S. average

At 77.7 years, Essex County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 by 1.6 years but falls 0.8 years below New Jersey's 78.5-year state average. With 16.5% reporting poor or fair health—matching Atlantic County—the county sits above national but below state wellness benchmarks.

Slightly below-average health rank

Essex County ranks in the middle-to-lower tier of New Jersey counties for life expectancy at 77.7 years, 0.8 years below the state average. Its 16.5% poor/fair health rate reflects socioeconomic diversity and health disparities across its urban and suburban communities.

Behind more prosperous counties

Essex County's 77.7-year life expectancy trails Bergen County (81.9) and Burlington County (78.9) but exceeds Atlantic County (75.7) and Camden County (76.2). With 75 primary care providers and 283 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Essex offers moderate but not exceptional healthcare density.

Over 1 in 10 lack health insurance

An estimated 10.6% of Essex County residents are uninsured—the highest rate in New Jersey and 3.1 points above the state average—affecting roughly 99,000 people. With 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, coverage gaps compound existing access challenges in this diverse county.

Find coverage that fits your needs

If you're uninsured in Essex County, NJ's marketplace offers affordable plans with income-based subsidies available year-round. Call 1-855-877-NJ-HELP or visit NJ.gov/HealthCoverage to enroll in a plan today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Essex County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive and Complex School System

Essex County manages one of New Jersey's largest student bodies, with 139,500 pupils attending 246 public schools. This system is divided into 43 districts and includes 155 elementary schools and 41 high schools.

Performance and Resource Management

The county graduation rate is 88.2%, outstripping the national 87.0% average despite the challenges of a large urban population. Schools operate on an average per-pupil expenditure of $12,098, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of $13,088.

Urban Leaders and Charter Giants

Newark Public School District is the largest in the state, serving 37,662 students across 63 schools. Essex is also a hub for charter education, with 19 charter schools including North Star Academy, which alone serves over 6,300 students.

Urban Hubs Meet Suburban Campuses

The county features a sharp split between 85 city schools and 161 suburban schools, offering vastly different educational environments. While the average school size is 579, flagship campuses like East Side High and West Orange High enroll over 2,100 students each.

Navigating Choice in an Educational Hub

With a wide range of performance across its 43 districts, Essex County offers diverse options for every homebuyer. From established suburban districts like Livingston to innovative charters in Newark, school quality is a central pillar of the local housing market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Essex County

via RiskByCounty

Essex County faces relatively high risk

Essex County registers a composite risk score of 97.71, placing it well above the national average and earning a relatively high overall disaster risk rating. This score reflects acute vulnerability across multiple significant hazard categories.

Essex County: second-highest in New Jersey

At 97.71, Essex County ranks second only to Bergen County (97.84) among all New Jersey counties in composite risk exposure, sitting far above the state average of 90.81. This positioning reflects serious multi-hazard vulnerability across the county.

Essex nearly matches Bergen's risk

Essex County (97.71) and Bergen County (97.84) form a high-risk duo in northern New Jersey, substantially outpacing all other nearby counties. Both share extreme flood risk and high tornado vulnerability, though Essex has negligible wildfire risk (10.59) compared to broader state patterns.

Essex's critical hazard profile

Flood risk peaks at 98.82, making Essex one of New Jersey's most flood-vulnerable counties, followed closely by tornado risk at 94.91. Earthquake risk (95.64) and hurricane risk (91.82) also pose significant threats across the county's urban and suburban landscape.

Comprehensive coverage for Essex

Flood insurance is essential in Essex County given the 98.82 flood risk score; this coverage must be obtained separately through NFIP or private insurers. Additionally, ensure your homeowners policy includes tornado and earthquake coverage, as these are frequently excluded or limited in standard plans.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Essex County

via WeatherByCounty

Aligned with the National Average

Essex County's average temperature of 53.0°F is nearly identical to the national median. It is a wet region, receiving 48.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Cooler Than the Jersey Norm

Surprisingly, Essex County is slightly cooler than the state average of 53.6°F. It represents the more temperate, seasonally distinct climate of Northern New Jersey.

Cooler and Snowier Than Bergen

Essex is much cooler than neighboring Bergen County, which averages 55.4°F. It also sees more significant winter impacts with 24.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Cold Winters and Sharp Summers

January averages a chilly 30.4°F, contributing to two feet of annual snowfall. Summer remains active with 23 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Prepare for Real Winter

Heating systems must be robust to handle the 30.4°F January average. Residents also need reliable snow removal tools for the 24.0 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Essex County

via SoilByCounty

Top-Tier Productivity Despite High Acidity

Essex County has highly acidic soil with a pH of 3.43, far below the national median of 6.5. Despite this, it boasts a high soil score of 65.2, significantly outperforming the state average of 46.5.

Heavy Silt Provides Solid Structure

With only 36.1% sand, this soil is much heavier than southern counties, consisting of nearly 29% silt. This composition provides excellent structural stability and helps the soil retain nutrients that would wash away in sandier regions.

Unrivaled Organic Matter and Hydration

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 27.72%, dwarfing the state average of 15.72% and the national 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.242 in/in is the highest in this group, meaning the soil acts like a sponge.

Efficient Moisture Management in Urban Soils

While specific drainage data is limited, the high silt and organic matter suggest a soil that holds onto moisture very effectively. Urban gardeners should be mindful of potential slow drainage in low-lying areas during heavy rain events.

Hardy Greens Thrive in Zone 7a

Hardiness zone 7a provides a slightly shorter but still robust growing season for Essex County. Use this incredibly rich, nutrient-dense soil to grow hardy leafy greens and woodland perennials that thrive in acidic conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Essex County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf Management in Essex

Essex County scores 45.6 for lawn difficulty, falling just below the state average of 48.0. Located in Zone 7a, the cooler winters and local soil conditions require a more specialized approach to lawn care than in southern counties.

Balanced Rain with Significant Heat

The county receives a robust 48.0 inches of precipitation, which is ideal for supporting turf growth throughout the 3,355 growing degree days. However, the 23 extreme heat days can still stress grasses, particularly those without deep root systems.

Addressing Critical Soil Acidity

Essex County has a critically low soil pH of 3.43, which is far below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy lawns. With only 36.1% sand, the soil holds moisture well, but the extreme acidity is the primary barrier to successful growth.

Extended Periods of Severe Dryness

The county experienced 39 weeks of drought in the past year, with nearly 10% of the area currently in severe drought. Residents should follow local water restrictions and consider planting drought-resistant varieties to weather these long dry spells.

Optimal Planting for Zone 7a

Plan your seeding projects for after the April 18 frost to take advantage of the wet spring months. Because the first frost arrives on October 27, focus on establishing cool-season grasses that can handle the specific Essex soil profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Essex County's county score?
Essex County, New Jersey has a composite county score of 33.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Essex County rank among counties in New Jersey?
Essex County ranks #17 among all counties in New Jersey on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Essex County, New Jersey?
The median annual property tax in Essex County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 2.02%. This earns Essex County a tax score of 3.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Essex County?
The median household income in Essex County, New Jersey is $76,712 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Essex County earns an income score of 79.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Essex County, New Jersey a good place to live?
Essex County scores 33.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in New Jersey. The best way to evaluate Essex County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Essex County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.