Essex Public RecordsNew Jersey

As of 2023, Essex County, NJ, has an estimated population of about 849,000. The median age is approximately 38 years. Females make up around 52% and males 48%. Racially, the county is about 37% Black or African American, 28% White (non-Hispanic), 25% Hispanic or Latino, 5% Asian, and 5% other or multiracial. The county is known for its diversity, particularly in cities like Newark and East Orange, contributing to its vibrant cultural landscape.

Essex County, NJ, has approximately 565,000 registered voters, with about 50% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 40% unaffiliated. Residents vote in primary, general, school board, and municipal elections, held at over 300 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, Essex voted 77% for the Democratic candidate. The Essex County Board of Elections manages administration, overseeing voter registration and polling. Current issues include ballot access and redistricting. The main parties are Democratic and Republican, with Democrats holding the majority of local offices.

Essex County, NJ, features diverse housing, from Newark’s urban apartments to suburban single-family homes in Montclair and Maplewood. As of 2024, the median home value is around $480,000, with median rent at approximately $1,900 per month. Homeownership rate is about 44%, below the national average. Popular neighborhoods include South Orange and West Orange. Property taxes are among the highest in the U.S., averaging 2.4% of assessed value, with annual bills often exceeding $12,000. The market has shown steady appreciation of 6–8% annually since 2021, reflecting strong demand for both rentals and homes for sale.

As of 2023, Essex County, NJ, has an employment rate of approximately 61%. Major employment industries include healthcare and social assistance (20%), educational services (16%), and retail trade (10%). Leading occupations are in management, business, science, and arts (38%). About 63% of residents commute outside their municipality for work, with 70% traveling by car and 28% using public transit. Newark, the county’s largest city, serves as a major employment hub, particularly for finance, transportation, and healthcare sectors.

Essex County, NJ, is home to over 200 schools, including 36 public high schools and several colleges like Rutgers-Newark and NJIT. Approximately 88% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, while 34% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school scores range from 5 to 8 out of 10 (GreatSchools), and major districts prioritize school safety with state-of-the-art security measures. Adult education is available via Essex County College and specialized learning centers. Diverse programs in STEM, arts, and vocational training support student achievement and career readiness throughout the county.

Essex County, NJ, has experienced fluctuating crime rates in recent years. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than the New Jersey average of 2.2. Property crime stood at 13.0 per 1,000, above the state average of 11. The county reported over 3,100 violent crimes and 8,700 property crimes in 2022. Enhanced police-community initiatives have led to a slight decrease since 2020. Residents are encouraged to report incidents promptly using the Essex County Sheriff's Office's online and phone-based systems.