Essex, Md
Essex, Maryland is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. The geographic coordinates are approximately 39.3090° N latitude and 76.4541° W longitude. Essex falls primarily under the zip code 21221, though neighboring areas may include 21220 and 21224. Established in 1909, Essex is situated about 10 miles east of downtown Baltimore, making it a key suburb in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
The total area of Essex is roughly 11.9 square miles (30.8 km²), of which 9.3 square miles (24.1 km²) is land and 2.6 square miles (6.7 km²) is water. The area encompasses several distinct neighborhoods and districts, including Middlesex, Country Ridge, Hyde Park, Turkey Point, Deep Creek, Cedar Beach, Fox Ridge, and the Essex Park area. The community is bordered by the Back River to the west and Middle River to the east, giving it significant waterfront access and local marinas.
According to the 2020 Census, the population of Essex is approximately 40,505. The racial makeup is 66.4% White, 24.3% African American, 2.1% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 6.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprise about 5.6% of the population. The median age in Essex is approximately 39 years.
Essex has about 16,600 households, with an average household size of 2.4 people. Owner-occupied housing units make up 58% of the housing stock, while 42% are renter-occupied. The median value of owner-occupied housing units is around $180,000, and the median gross rent is $1,130. The area’s median household income is approximately $52,000, and about 14% of residents live below the federal poverty line.
A hub for education, Essex is served by several public schools within the Baltimore County Public Schools system, including Chesapeake High School, Deep Creek Middle School, and Essex Elementary School. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Essex campus is also located here, offering higher education and workforce training.
Essex’s economy is supported by a mix of local businesses, retail centers such as Middlesex Shopping Center and Country Ridge Shopping Center, and proximity to major employers in the Baltimore area. Public transportation is facilitated by Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus routes, connecting Essex to Baltimore and surrounding communities.
The area is known for its parks and recreational offerings, including Rocky Point Park, Cox’s Point Park, and Back River Recreation Council facilities. These provide opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, and sports. Essex also hosts annual community events such as the Essex Day Festival.
Key local landmarks include the historic Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, Martin State Airport (MTN), and the Maryland Air National Guard base. The area is governed by Baltimore County and is represented in the Maryland General Assembly’s 6th legislative district.
Essex, MD is a vibrant, diverse, and historically significant community with a unique waterfront character, a strong sense of local identity, and essential connections to the broader Baltimore region.
