Community Profile

Essex County, Massachusetts

This report explores how Essex County's community is changing and what makes it unique compared to the United States as a whole. Civic data about Essex County's residents, households, and housing is from the American Community Survey (ACS), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Unlike the Census—which is an exact count of people and households every ten years—ACS statistics are estimated based on a representative survey sample of Essex County residents. The data is shown over five-year periods, rather than annually, to ensure greater accuracy at small geographies.

Age Demographics in Essex County, Massachusetts

Race and Ethnicity in Essex County, Massachusetts

The ACS adheres to definitions of race and ethnicity set forth by the 1997 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards. These categories are based on self-identification and are "not an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically, or genetically," according to the Census Bureau.

According to the OMB standards, the category of "Hispanic" maps to the concept of ethnicity, not race, and so Essex County's percentage is not included in the race distribution chart above. A Essex County resident who identifies as Hispanic may be of any race or combination of races.

Educational Attainment in Essex County, Massachusetts

Educational attainment refers to the highest grade level or degree that a Essex County resident has completed. The data shown here only includes the population age 25 and over.

About the Data

All data is from the American Community Survey, 5-year estimates. The table numbers are as follows:

• Quick stats: Tables B01003, B25001, B01002, B19019 (left to right)

• Population distribution, by age and by race/ethnicity: DP05

• Median age: B01002

• Educational attainment: S1501. 

This report uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.