Essex County

Home value

$524,1002024

Less favorable than communities in New Jersey

Unemployment

5.7%2026

Violent crime

3302023

Work from home

16.1%2024

Essex County — Nov 5, 2026

Source: Polco GPAL, using data from the original source shown for each indicator.

Contracts

Commissioners approve $7.18 million maintenance contract for county correctional facility

The board awarded a two-year total maintenance contract to DCO Energy for Essex County’s correctional facility, a contract the vendor said is lower than last year's figure; commissioners asked for a written explanation of what caused the reduction.

Essex County approves multiple parks, zoo and open-space contracts totaling millions

Board approves $283,000 printing contract for elections materials

County unions press commissioners for guarantees as Essex County plans self-insured health coverage

Outdoor Play Connection seeks immediate authorization after county suspends Eagle Rock programming; attorney warns of legal action

Health Insurance

Essex County votes to end participation in state health plan, moves toward self‑insured model

Parks Programs

Parents, advocates press Essex County to restore Outdoor Play Connection access to Eagle Rock Reservation

Opioid Funding

Essex County outlines plan for opioid settlement dollars; $3.6M received, program design underway

Nov 5November 4, 2026Approved Aetna dental contract (Resolution 34).Oct 22October 21, 2026Board approved contracts and authorized Open Space Trust Fund expenditures.Oct 8October 7, 2026Introduced on first reading Sep 17September 16, 2026Board approved the change order and related park contracts.

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What stands out in Essex County

Data from Polco GPAL
Standouts compare Essex County with communities in New Jersey or of similar population size. Surprises are where the measured figure was unusually far from what Polco's model expected. Each fact gives its year; public data runs one to two years behind.

In 2023, Essex County was more favorable than communities in New Jersey on adult residents who attended a public meeting.

100th percentile · 2023 · U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey Volunteering and Civic Life Supplement, via Polco GPAL

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More coverage

Essex County approves park project contracts, change order increases 9/11 memorial funding

Board moves forward with 2027 fee schedule for Essex County juvenile detention center