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County in Massachusetts

Essex County, Massachusetts

Essex County, in Massachusetts, has 813,054 residents: No. 3 of 14 by population. Essex County has an FHA limit of $962,550 for one-unit homes. The typical home value here is $619,100. HUD's Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $2,367–$3,008 a month; to pay it without spending more than 30% of your income, you need to earn about $45.52–$57.85 an hour.

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  • Typical home price

    $619,100

    +10% vs. Massachusetts +86% vs. U.S.

    Half of owner-occupied homes are worth more and half are worth less.

    • Essex
    • Massachusetts
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

  • Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms

    $2,367–$3,008 a month

    HUD sets it by area: from the lowest to the highest of the 2 areas in Essex County.

    • Lowest area
    • Highest area
    • Massachusetts
    • United States

    Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

  • FHA limit 2026, 1 unit

    $962,550

    FHA high-cost area

    The most you can borrow with an FHA loan for a one-unit home here.

    • Essex
    • Floor
    • Ceiling

    Source: HUD, 2026 data

  • Property tax

    1.04% of value per year

    −3% vs. Massachusetts +11% vs. U.S.

    $6,430 a year for the typical owner

    • Essex
    • Massachusetts
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$715,954
2.1% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent
$2,595 a month
2.5% more than 12 months ago

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Data from October 2026

In short

What is housing like in Essex County today?

The monthly payment on a typical home with FHA would be about $5,186, that is, 61% of the typical household income in Essex County. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $222,273 a year; the typical income here is $101,883. Homes here are worth 10% more than the average across Massachusetts. This is a high-cost area for FHA: the limit is above the national floor.

Renting is more of a stretch than in Massachusetts: 57% of renters put 30% or more of their income toward housing, against 52% statewide. There are 3 agencies with HUD-approved housing counselors who speak Spanish near here.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); HUD (2026 data); HUD (Retrieved November 6, 2026).

Only here

What sets Essex County apart

  1. Among the neighboring counties, Worcester County has the lowest typical home value ($423,700), 32% below the $619,100 in Essex County.

  2. Nearby, in Bristol County, the typical rent is $1,245: 29% less than in Essex County ($1,756).

  3. From 2020 to 2025, home prices in Essex County rose 50% on FHFA's index, about the same as in Massachusetts (49%).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); FHFA (2025 data).

The homes here

Housing in Essex County

What homes there are in Essex County, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

No kind of home is the majority in Essex County; the largest group, detached houses, adds up to 50%, near the figure in Massachusetts (51%).

Year built

The typical home in Essex County was built in 1960, 4 years before the typical one in Massachusetts.

Much as in Massachusetts, 56% of homes in Essex County have 3 bedrooms or more.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The FHA loan limit for this county is $962,550, and about 85% of owner-occupied homes in Essex County are worth less than that.

Monthly rent with utilities

At least 93% of rented homes in Essex County cost less than $3,000, below HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent ($3,008).

With a mortgage

$2,867 a month

Massachusetts: $2,726 a month

Without a mortgage

$1,106 a month

Massachusetts: $1,043 a month

Owners with a mortgage

70%

Massachusetts: 66%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Essex County is $2,867 a month, more than in Massachusetts ($2,726); without one, $1,106.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

From 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, the typical home value in Essex County rose 51%; in Massachusetts, it rose 47%.

Rents in Essex County rose faster than in Massachusetts: 42% since 2015–2019, against 37%.

Housing prices ran ahead of income in Essex County: typical income rose 29%, against +51% for home values and +42% for rent.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureEssex CountyMassachusettsUnited States
Rental vacancy 2.6%3.5%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.3%0.6%0.9%
More than one person per room 2.8%2.3%3.4%
People per household 2.542.442.53
Drive alone 68%61%69%
Carpool 7%7%9%
Public transit 4%7%3%
Walk or bike 3%5%3%
Work from home 16%19%15%
Other means 2%2%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Open rentals in Essex County look like those in Massachusetts: the rental vacancy rate is 2.6%.

Much as in Massachusetts, 2.8% of households in Essex County have more than one person per room.

Much as in Massachusetts, a household in Essex County has 2.54 people on average.

In Essex County, 68% of workers drive alone to work; in Massachusetts, 61%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month in Essex County?

A typical home costs more than the typical income allows

We start with a typical home of $619,100, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 61% of the typical household income here, which is $101,883 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $222,273 a year.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Essex County. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $21,669 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$5,186

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$607,886
Total interest
$874,605
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $10,455 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $2,377 a month

  • Tight

    $2,377 to $3,056 a month

  • Hard

    more than $3,056 a month

    Your payment · 61%

Compared with the typical household income in Essex County ($101,883 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$5,186
Principal & interest$4,118
Property tax$537
Home insurance$258
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$274

You need at least $21,669 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

Buying a home

Buying a home in Essex County

Here you'll see how prices have changed, how Essex County compares with Massachusetts and the country, and what you'd pay each month with four kinds of loans.

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Essex County rose 92% in the 10 years through 2025. FHFA's index follows the price of the same homes over the years.

Period Here Massachusetts United States
In 2025 +4.8% +3.7% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +50% +49% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +92% +87% +85%
See each year's change

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Essex County compared with Massachusetts and the United States

Home value, rent and household income, side by side. "Typical" is the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Essex $619,100
  • Massachusetts $562,100
  • United States $332,700
Typical rent a month
  • Essex $1,756
  • Massachusetts $1,762
  • United States $1,413
Typical household income a year
  • Essex $101,883
  • Massachusetts $103,960
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Essex compared with Massachusetts and the United States
MeasureHereMassachusettsU.S.
Residents813,0547,044,056334,922,499
Typical home value$619,100$562,100$332,700
Typical household income$101,883$103,960$80,734
Typical rent$1,756$1,762$1,413
Typical property tax$6,430$5,992$3,119
Effective tax rate1.04%1.07%0.94%
Households that own their home64%63%65%
Renters spending 30% or more on rent57%52%51%
FHA limit (1 unit)*$962,550$962,550$541,287

FHA limit: Massachusetts shows the median of its counties; the United States, the national floor. Download CSV

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Essex County

For a typical $619,100 home at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, the county's property tax, an example homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

Loan Monthly payment Down payment Loan amount Rate Mortgage insurance Cash to close Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down $5,186 $21,669 $607,887 7.18% FHA MIP · $274 $40,242 580
Conventional, 5% down $5,073 $30,955 $588,145 7.18% PMI · $294 $49,528 620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $4,150 $123,820 $495,280 7.18% None $142,393 620*
ITIN, 15% down (example) $4,722 $92,865 $526,235 8.18% None $111,438 Set by the lender
  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

Everything about buying in Essex County: income, limits and help How much house can I afford? Closing costs

Loan limits

This is a high-cost area, so FHA limits in Essex County are above the national floor. The limit is set for the whole metro area (Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH). If the loan you need is above these amounts, it doesn't fit FHA or it becomes a "jumbo" loan.

VA loans. If you have full VA entitlement, VA doesn't cap the loan amount. If you've used part of your entitlement, the calculation uses the county limit ($962,550 for one unit). VA loan limits (va.gov)

USDA loans. They're for homes in eligible rural areas and households with incomes within USDA's limit. Check whether the address and your income qualify on the official site. USDA eligibility (usda.gov)

Home type FHA limit Conforming limit
1 unit $962,550 $962,550
2 units $1,232,250 $1,232,250
3 units $1,489,500 $1,489,500
4 units $1,851,100 $1,851,100

Source: HUD, 2026 data · Source: FHFA, 2026 data

Taxes and risks

Property tax and flooding in Essex County

Two costs that change a lot from place to place and that a house payment does include: property tax and, in risk zones, flood insurance.

Property tax

In Essex County, the typical owner pays $6,430 a year: about 1.04% of the home's value. That is close to the rest of Massachusetts and more than the national average.

  • Essex 1.04%
  • Massachusetts 1.07%
  • United States 0.94%

What Massachusetts publishes Local senior exemption (clause 41C) (Massachusetts General Court (General Laws))

Exemptions and deadlines in Massachusetts

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Essex County 3.8% of homes (7,538) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 58% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. (44 CFR 59.1)
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. (42 U.S.C. 4012a)
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. (FEMA, FloodSmart)

Source: FEMA, As of August 3, 2026

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Owning a home here

Owning a home in Essex County

The natural hazards FEMA measures in Essex County, a maintenance plan for your climate and what the trades earn in your area.

Risks to your home

FEMA, National Risk Index 1.20.0 (December 2025)

In Essex County, FEMA rates the natural hazard risk as relatively high.

That rating combines the loss FEMA expects with social vulnerability and community resilience.

In all, FEMA estimates natural hazards cause about $199 million in losses a year in Essex County, across buildings, people and crops.

The hazard that would do the most damage to homes and buildings here is inland flooding: about $124 million a year.

Loss FEMA expects each year to homes and buildings, by hazard
  1. Inland floodingRelatively high $124 million a year
  2. Coastal floodingVery high $19.2 million a year
  3. HurricaneRelatively high $14.2 million a year
  4. EarthquakeRelatively moderate $11.8 million a year
  5. TornadoRelatively high $4.1 million a year

What it means for your home

The ratings are FEMA's own. FEMA says its data is meant for planning and does not replace a local study. Drought is not shown: FEMA counts its loss in crops only.

National Risk Index, version 1.20.0 (December 2025), retrieved November 6, 2026

FEMA notice: This product uses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index dataset API or downloadable datasets but is not endorsed by FEMA. The Federal Government or FEMA cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s).

Climate and upkeep

Department of Energy (PNNL), 2021 IECC zones

Essex County is climate zone 5A in the home energy code (IECC): cold.

The zone's number says how hot or cold it gets; the letter says how humid: A is moist, B is dry and C is marine.

  • Spring

    • Book the air conditioner's check-up before the heat: ENERGY STAR advises checking the cooling system in the spring, because contractors get busy once summer comes. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Clean and repair the roof gutters. EPA

  • Summer

    • Seal the air ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, basement or garage with duct mastic or foil tape, then wrap them in insulation. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Check that the ground slopes away from the house, so water does not collect around the foundation. EPA

  • Fall

    • Book the heating check-up in the fall. If it runs on gas or oil, the technician should check the connections: faulty ones are a fire hazard. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Seal air leaks and add insulation in the attic: ENERGY STAR says it lowers the chance of ice dams on the roof in snowy climates. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

  • Winter

    • Get the house ready for the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping, and learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Ready.gov (FEMA)
    • Put clear plastic film over the windows: it is inexpensive, cuts drafts, helps the house feel warmer in winter and reduces moisture on the glass. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

All year

  • Check the air filter every month, especially in heavy-use months. If it looks dirty, change it; change it at least every 3 months. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
  • Test the smoke alarms every month and replace their batteries at least once a year. USFA (FEMA)

Each task comes from the official page beside it. The spring air-conditioning and fall heating check-ups are the timing ENERGY STAR advises; the rest is a suggested order.

Climate zones by county, 2021 IECC

What the trades charge here

BLS, wages for May 2025

TradeTypical hourly wage8 in 10 earn between
Electricians$38.42$22.71 and $62.17
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters$46.52$25.13 and $69.21
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics$37.75$24.46 and $49.54
Roofers$31.90$25.82 and $46.26
Carpenters$36.16$23.47 and $59.71
Painters, construction and maintenance$27.80$21.95 and $52.81
Maintenance and repair workers, general$28.69$19.05 and $38.91

According to BLS, an electrician earns about $38.42 an hour in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area; a plumber, about $46.52.

These are workers' hourly wages, not the price of a job.

Need help paying for a repair?

Renting

Renting in Essex County

The typical rent in Essex County is $1,756 a month. HUD also publishes a “fair market rent” by unit size: it's the one programs like Section 8 use.

57% of renter households in Essex County spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 30% spend half or more.

Fair market rent by size in Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area

To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $2,440 $46.92 $97,600
1 bedroom $2,518 $48.42 $100,720
2 bedrooms $3,008 $57.85 $120,320
3 bedrooms $3,584 $68.92 $143,360
4 bedrooms $3,953 $76.02 $158,120

HUD splits this county into 2 areas with different fair market rents: for 2 bedrooms they run from $2,367 to $3,008. The table is for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live; below you see every area with its towns. Includes basic utilities.

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

Fair market rent by HUD area in Essex County

HUD splits this county into 2 areas, each with its own fair market rent. Find your town in its area's list; the housing agency tells you which one it uses for your voucher.

HUD area Studio1 bd2 bd3 bd4 bdHourly wage, 2 bd
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live
24 towns in this area

Amesbury city, Beverly city, Danvers town, Essex town, Gloucester city, Hamilton town, Ipswich town, Lynn city, Lynnfield town, Manchester-by-the-Sea town, Marblehead town, Middleton town, Nahant town, Newbury town, Newburyport city, Peabody city, Rockport town, Rowley town, Salem city, Salisbury town, Saugus town, Swampscott town, Topsfield town, Wenham town

 $2,440$2,518$3,008$3,584$3,953$57.85
Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area
10 towns in this area

Andover town, Boxford town, Georgetown town, Groveland town, Haverhill city, Lawrence city, Merrimac town, Methuen city, North Andover town, West Newbury town

 $1,677$1,809$2,367$2,820$3,111$45.52

HUD fair market rent by area and size, per month, Fiscal year 2027. The wage is what full-time work must pay to rent 2 bedrooms without spending more than 30% of income. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027 Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Free help in Essex County

Programs and counseling in Essex County

There are 4 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in Essex County. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, with rent, or if you've fallen behind on payments.

Official programs for the down payment and loans for buyers. Check which ones you might qualify for with your income and your county.

A man and two girls read a book together on the sofa.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

Massachusetts down payment programs

  1. MassHousing Down Payment Assistance

    Massachusetts state agency second mortgage for the down payment: up to $30,000 at 0% and deferred, or up to $25,000 at 2% or 3% over 15 years, for first-time buyers with eligible income

    First-time buyers only. Run by MassHousing.

    DeferredRepayable Verified November 5, 2026

Which programs do I qualify for? See all Massachusetts programs

Help in Spanish in Essex County

2 of the 4 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Public housing agencies

They run public housing and Section 8 vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) in this county.

  • Lawrence Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (978) 685-3811
  • Lynn Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (781) 581-8600

Free legal help

If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.

Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Housing counseling nearby

These agencies have an office in Essex County. The full list is on the Massachusetts counselors page. Official HUD list. Confirm hours and fees with the agency before you go.

  • Lawrence Communityworks, Inc.

    168 Newbury St, Lawrence · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Workshops for new owners
    • and 2 more
    (978) 685-3115

  • NSC (naca Counseling Subsidiary) - Lawrence, MA

    261 Common St, Lawrence · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 5 more
    978-687-3993-1385

  • Act Lawrence, Inc Formerly Arlington Community Trabajando, Inc

    15 Union St Ste 417, Lawrence

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 8 more
    (978) 685-6274
See every agency in Massachusetts

Places

Cities in Essex County

Each city has its own page with prices, rents and help. These are the largest.

See all 17 cities of Essex County

Nearby counties

Each row compares its typical value, typical rent and FHA limit with Essex County.

Read next

Guides that help here

We picked them by this county's numbers: what weighs most here is what's worth understanding first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FHA loan limit in Essex County in 2026?

Essex County has an FHA limit of $962,550 for a one-unit home. For 2 units it's $1,232,250, for 3 it's $1,489,500 and for 4 it's $1,851,100. It's a high-cost area, so the limit is above the national floor.

What is the conforming loan limit in Essex County?

Essex County has a conforming limit of $962,550 for one-unit conventional loans in 2026. A bigger loan is a “jumbo” loan.

How much does a typical home cost in Essex County?

The typical home value in Essex County is $619,100 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). Across Massachusetts it's $562,100.

How much does it cost to rent in Essex County?

Essex County has a typical rent of $1,756 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). HUD's fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $2,367–$3,008 (Fiscal year 2027). HUD sets it by area within this county: the figure runs from the lowest area to the highest.

How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Essex County?

About $45.52–$57.85 an hour working full time (2,080 hours a year), or $94,680–$120,320 a year, so the fair market rent of $2,367–$3,008 stays under 30% of income. HUD sets it by area within this county: the figure runs from the lowest area to the highest.

Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); Income Limits (Fiscal year 2026); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); National Risk Index (2025 data); IECC climate zones by county (2021 data); Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2025 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).