Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Essex has a population of around 21,216 people. The town's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Essex has increased by 3.86%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 20,427 | 21,216 | +3.86% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.76% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Essex's population is projected to reach approximately 22,035 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 79.40 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 21,216 | 22,035 | 79.40 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Population By Genders
The male population of Essex is around 10,520 while the female population is around 10,695.
Of the 21,216 total population in Essex, the largest gender is female with around 10,695 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 10,520 | 10,695 | +1.64% |
Is Essex a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Essex compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Ontario, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Other Towns Near Essex
- Lakeshore (11.6 km)
- Tecumseh (16.7 km)
- Kingsville (22.1 km)
- LaSalle (28.7 km)
- Amherstburg (35.9 km)
- Pelee (36.2 km)
- Dawn-Euphemia (75.1 km)
- Enniskillen (83.3 km)
- Petrolia (85.4 km)
Population by Age Characteristics
Essex has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.70% of the total population. The town median age is 46.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 885 8.40% | 960 9.00% | 7.81% | 1,850 8.70% |
| 60 to 64 years | 860 8.20% | 860 8.00% | 0.00% | 1,715 8.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 710 6.70% | 775 7.20% | 8.39% | 1,485 7.00% |
| 50 to 54 years | 725 6.90% | 750 7.00% | 3.33% | 1,470 6.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 685 6.50% | 675 6.30% | 1.46% | 1,365 6.40% |
| 70 to 74 years | 640 6.10% | 645 6.00% | 0.78% | 1,280 6.00% |
| 15 to 19 years | 605 5.80% | 570 5.30% | 5.79% | 1,175 5.50% |
| 20 to 24 years | 595 5.70% | 565 5.30% | 5.04% | 1,160 5.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 630 6.00% | 525 4.90% | 16.67% | 1,155 5.40% |
| 25 to 29 years | 600 5.70% | 560 5.20% | 6.67% | 1,155 5.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 575 5.50% | 575 5.40% | 0.00% | 1,155 5.40% |
| 35 to 39 years | 560 5.30% | 585 5.50% | 4.27% | 1,140 5.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 550 5.20% | 590 5.50% | 6.78% | 1,135 5.30% |
| 5 to 9 years | 605 5.80% | 510 4.80% | 15.70% | 1,115 5.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 490 4.70% | 490 4.60% | 0.00% | 980 4.60% |
| 75 to 79 years | 370 3.50% | 445 4.20% | 16.85% | 815 3.80% |
| 85 years and over | 215 2.00% | 345 3.20% | 37.68% | 555 2.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 235 2.20% | 285 2.70% | 17.54% | 515 2.40% |
| 85 to 89 years | 135 1.30% | 200 1.90% | 32.50% | 330 1.60% |
| 90 to 94 years | 55 0.50% | 100 0.90% | 45.00% | 155 0.70% |
| 95 to 99 years | 30 0.30% | 40 0.40% | 25.00% | 65 0.30% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 62.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 21.90% and 15.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Essex are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 45.60% | 48.00% | 46.80% |
| Average age of the population | 43.10% | 45.20% | 44.10% |
| 65 years and over | 20.60% | 23.30% | 21.90% |
| 0 to 14 years | 16.40% | 14.20% | 15.30% |
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Essex
Population of Essex by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Essex is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Essex is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are English, which accounts for 28.00% of the total population, followed by French (26.77%), Irish (20.33%), Canadian (18.20%), and Scottish (16.38%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, Italian, Dutch, British Isles, and French Canadian.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 26.61% | 29.37% | 28.00% |
| French | 26.76% | 26.78% | 26.77% |
| Irish | 19.82% | 20.78% | 20.33% |
| Canadian | 18.16% | 18.19% | 18.20% |
| Scottish | 16.75% | 16.03% | 16.38% |
| German | 13.04% | 13.58% | 13.31% |
| Italian | 5.27% | 4.51% | 4.89% |
| Dutch | 4.39% | 4.85% | 4.62% |
| British Isles | 3.47% | 3.93% | 3.68% |
| French Canadian | 2.59% | 4.08% | 3.36% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Essex's population profile.
About 8.7% of Essex's population are immigrants (1,800 people).
The top countries of origin for Essex's immigrant population are United Kingdom (295), United States of America (285), Portugal (215), Mexico (70), Italy (65).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 295 |
| United States of America | 285 |
| Portugal | 215 |
| Mexico | 70 |
| Italy | 65 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 7,095 of Essex's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 18.70% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 12.85% of the population. 4 persons, 3 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.20%, 7.15%, and 4.10%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 3,140 | 18.70% |
| 1 person | 2,155 | 12.85% |
| 4 persons | 1,210 | 7.20% |
| 3 persons | 1,200 | 7.15% |
| 5 or more persons | 690 | 4.10% |
Income in Essex
Analyzing income distribution in Essex can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Essex is $43,600.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Essex population or around 2,590 people falls in the $50,000 to $79,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 2,515 and 2,345 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Essex's median household income is $87,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Essex's median household income is 3,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the town's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Essex
This data sheds light on the distribution of Essex residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
53.00% or most of the Essex population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 34.95% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, 15.85% has a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.05% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 6,880 | 7,755 | 14,635 | 53.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 5,175 | 4,750 | 9,930 | 34.95% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,770 | 2,610 | 4,375 | 15.85% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 1,830 | 1,840 | 3,670 | 12.05% |
Below national average 15.9% of Essex's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Essex
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Essex. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 7.63% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 53.33% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.63% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Essex's population (around 79.90%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 625 men and 460 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 1,085.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 625 | 460 | 1,085 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Essex industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Essex is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Essex has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (20%) works in the manufacturing sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 10%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 1,545 | 525 | 20% |
| Health care and social assistance | 145 | 1,140 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 470 | 600 | 10% |
| Construction | 930 | 125 | 10% |
| Educational services | 165 | 475 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 180 | 415 | 6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 360 | 190 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 255 | 225 | 5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 215 | 190 | 4% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 185 | 225 | 4% |
| Public administration | 180 | 205 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 225 | 120 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 70 | 210 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 180 | 85 | 3% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 115 | 65 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 80 | 45 | 1% |
| Utilities | 85 | 15 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 80 | 0 | 1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 35 | 55 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Essex residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Essex: -33 Manufacturing (20%), Health care and social assistance (12%), -45 Retail trade (10%)
Top occupation categories in Essex: Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (25%), Sales and service occupations (22%), Business, finance and administration occupations (13%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 3,465 | 3,240 | 6,705 | 72.10% |
| Worked at home | 515 | 730 | 1,240 | 13.30% |
| No fixed workplace address | 920 | 325 | 1,240 | 13.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 55 | 45 | 105 | 1.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Essex residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Essex residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Essex spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 15 to 29 minutes | 41.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 27.20% |
| Less than 15 minutes | 24.30% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 5.80% |
| 60 minutes and over | 1.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Essexshed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Essex's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Essex. About 20,600 people living in the province speak English, 325 people speak French, 40 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 15 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 20,600 |
| French | 325 |
| Neither English nor French | 40 |
| English and French | 15 |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 91.3% | 97.3% |
| Non-official languages | 5.6% | 1.6% |
| French | 1.7% | 0.3% |
Religion
Essex is predominantly Christian. About 13,570 of its population is Christian (6,450 males and 6,450 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 0.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 0.2% and 0.1% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.1% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 65.7% |
| Islam | 0.5% |
| Hindu | 0.2% |
| Sikh | 0.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.1% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
Points of Interest in Essex
Schools
- Couzens School
- River Rouge STEM Academy
- Dwyer School
- Ecorse School Number 2
- Holbrook School
- Palmer Institute
- Salem School
- Santa Maria School
- Ann Visger Elementary School
- Wilson School
- Chandler Park Academy-Philip
- Cultural Center Early Learning Center
- Victors' Center
- Y Gladys Barsamian Preparatory Center
- Family Place Head Start
- God's Way Academy
- Blanche Kelso Bruce Academy
- Benjamin E Mays Male Academy
- Call Together Day Care Center
- Michigan Institute for Construction Trades
- People's Baptist Christian School
- Northern Annex
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School
- Jessie C Kennedy Institute
- Wayne State University Harris Literacy Program
- University Preparatory Academy Elementary School – Mark Murray Campus
- Voyageur College Prep High School
- Hope Academic Academy
- Covenant House Academy Southwest
- Escuela Avancemos
- Pathways Academy
- Zekelman School of Business & Information Technology - St. Clair College
Universities
Parks
Libraries
- Richard Library
- Detroit Municipal Reference Library
- Essex County Library - LaSalle Branch
- Chatham Kent Public Library - Tillbury Branch
- Windsor Public Library Central Branch
- Szoka Library
- Lakeshore Library Branch
- Windsor Public Library Local History Branch
Community Centres
- Bhaktivedanta Cultural Center
- Cass Community Services
- Eastside Community Outreach
- Noah's House
- Noah's House
- SECC
- Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
- Detroit's Afro American Mission
- Detroit Princess Riverboat
- North American International Auto Show
- America A Thanksgiving Parade
- Detroit Grand Prix
Places to Visit in Essex
Museums
Attractions
- DeLaurier Homestead
- Lafayette Coney Island
- American Coney Island
- Colasanti's Tropical Gardens
- Sunset Point
Historic Sites
- Major General Alpheus Starkey Williams
- Engine Number 8 Fire Station (Closed)
- Monument 2
- M. I. Wilcox (Wreck)
- Specular (Wrack)
- George Worthington (Wrack)
- Tasmania (Wrack)
- University of Michigania
- Monument to Joe Louis
- East Gate
- Brewster Homes
- Former site of Independent Order of Odd Fellows building.
- James J. Brady Memorial
- Schiller
- Dante
- Finney Barn
- Stevens T. Mason
- San Telmo Cigar Company Historic District
- Gateway to Freedom
- Afghanistan & Peacekeepers Memorial
- Knights of Columbus Peace Monument
- Ancient Jesuit Pear Trees
- Copernicus Sundial
- Generations
- Spirit of Windsor Engine 5588
- Transcending
- Amherstburg Royal Naval Dockyard
- Bellevue House
- The North Wall
- Civil War Monument
- Reverend Samuel Francis Smith Flagpole
Theatres
Green Spaces in Essex
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| S | Parks | — |
| Holiday Beach Conservation Area | Parks | — |
| Grand River / 5th (WB) | Parks | — |
| Grand River / 5th NS (EB) | Parks | — |
| Realtor Park | Parks | 9.9 ha |
| Farrow Riverside Miracle Park | Parks | 4.2 ha |
| Thompson Park | Parks | 2.9 ha |
| Homesite Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Curry Park | Parks | 2.5 ha |
| Coventry Gardens Park | Parks | 4.7 ha |
| George Street Park | Parks | 2.9 ha |
| Kiwanis Park | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Roseville Gardens Park | Parks | 4.2 ha |
| Jackson Park | Parks | 25.6 ha |
| College Avenue Bikeway | Parks | 4.7 ha |
| Alexander Park | Parks | 5.7 ha |
| Fountain Bleau | Parks | 5.0 ha |
| Pykes Park | Parks | 2.3 ha |
| Mark Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Gary Dugall Park | Parks | 2.0 ha |
| Lanspeary Park | Parks | 4.8 ha |
| Clay Park | Parks | 0.3 ha |
| Mary E. Bibb Park | Nature Reserves | — |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Essex
According to the 2021 census, Essex has a population of approximately 21,216 people.
Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Essex increased by 3.86%.
Essex has a population density of approximately 76.40 people per square kilometre.
Essex covers a land area of approximately 277.53 km².
The median age of the population in Essex is 46.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Essex is English.
The median household income in Essex is $87,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Essex.
Christian is the predominant religion in Essex.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.