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Virginia

Cost of living in Essex County, VA

Estimated monthly cost
$2,904/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 10,604 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $815 28%
Federal tax $503 17%
Healthcare $480 17%
Groceries $355 12%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $202 7%
State tax $174 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Essex County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$810
per month
1 bedroom
$815
per month
2 bedroom
$1,006
per month
3 bedroom
$1,246
per month
4 bedroom
$1,438
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Essex County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$56,481
per year
Individual earnings
$40,809
per year
Per capita
$32,839
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Essex County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$228,600
Annual property tax
$1,312

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Essex County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$153
per month · 14.6¢/kWh
Natural gas
$49
per month
Annual total
$2,424
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Essex County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
10.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Essex County

State and local tax rates for Virginia.

State income tax
5.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.3%
Combined sales tax
5.8%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Essex County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
35.5 min
Drive alone
75.4%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
11.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Essex County

What it costs to live in Essex County each month.

Single person
$2,904
per month
  • Rent $815
  • Energy $202
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $355
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $503
  • State tax $174
Couple
$4,028
per month
  • Rent $1,006
  • Energy $242
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $588
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $594
  • State tax $249
Family
$6,430
per month
  • Rent $1,246
  • Energy $303
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $893
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $594
  • State tax $249

Frequently asked questions about Essex County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Essex County?

In Essex County, VA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $815 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,006 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,246 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Essex County?

In Essex County, VA, the average household income is $56,481 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $40,809 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Essex County?

The estimated cost of living in Essex County, VA is approximately $2,904 per month for a single person, $4,028 for a couple, $6,430 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Essex County?

The combined sales tax rate in Essex County, VA is 5.75%, which includes the Virginia state rate of 5.30% plus an average local rate of 0.45%.

Is Essex County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Essex County, VA would need approximately $2,904 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $56,481 per year ($4,707 per month). Essex County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Essex County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Essex County, VA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 10.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Essex County?

The average home value in Essex County, VA is $228,600, with average annual property taxes of $1,312, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Essex County compare to other areas?

You can compare Essex County, VA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Essex County is in Virginia.

Other counties in Virginia

Browse the full list of counties in Virginia, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Virginia

Compare Essex County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources