RentData

Average Rent in Essex County, NY↓ Rents falling 1.2% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 37,077

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Essex County, NY has rental prices ranging from $858/month to $1,631/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $895/month — 36% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,215/year, spending $895/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Essex County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,171/month, Essex County ranks #26 most expensive of the 43 cities tracked in New York — pricier than 72% of all US cities in our data.

The Essex County Rental Market

The Essex County, NY area has a population of about 37,077 and 22% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Essex County, NY have fallen by $14/month (1.2%) over the past year, from $1,185 to $1,171. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Essex County, NY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,800. The local median household income of $70,215 exceeds that threshold by $34,415, making Essex County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Essex County, NY has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$858
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$895
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,171
↓1.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,425
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,631
Affordable
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Is Essex County, NY Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$46,840/year
Local median income: $70,215
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,171/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NYlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Poughkeepsie$1,088$1,160$1,467$1,868—
Nassau$1,964$2,285$2,689$3,458—
New York$2,593$2,729$2,971$3,760—
Buffalo$1,178$1,203$1,423$1,732—
Rochester$1,005$1,131$1,416$1,706—
Albany$1,238$1,425$1,711$2,039—

Rent or Buy in Essex County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Essex County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,171/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,171/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Essex County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Essex County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Essex County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NY

See how Essex County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Essex County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋NY Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections