Population and Development Data

The Town of Essex is growing, both with regards to population and development. Below is some information on how the Town of Essex has been growing in recent years. 

Population

The Town of Essex is located within Essex County and as of the 2021 census, is home to 21,216 people. 

• Since 2001, the Town of Essex has been growing an average of 0.2739% per year. 
• Since 2016, the Town of Essex has grown by 3.86%.
• Since 2016, Essex County has grown by 6%.
• Since 2016, Ontario has grown by 5.77%.

Below is a graphical illustration of the population growth over the past 20 years.

The age distribution has changed over time, with the share of people in the 0-14 age group trending downward and the share of people in the 65+ age group trending upward. Below is a graphical illustration of the age distribution from 2001 to 2021. 

Residential Development

The total number of dwellings or residential units has increased over time in the Town of Essex. This increase helps to house the growing population and aids in keeping housing more affordable in the area. As of the 2021 Census, there are 8390 dwellings in the Town of Essex.

• Since 2021, the stock of dwellings in the Town of Essex has been growing on average by 0.614% per year.
• Since 2016, the stock of dwellings in the Town of Essex has increased by 3.84%.

Below is a graphical illustration of the growth in dwellings from 2001 to 2021.

Residential development can be categorized based on how many units are within a building. Buildings such as detached homes and townhomes have a low number of units in them and are considered low density housing. Apartment style buildings have more units and are considered high density housing or multi-residential buildings.

• Since 2006, the stock of low density units has increased an average of 0.53% per year.
• Since 2006, the stock of high density units has increased an average of 2.26% per year.

Below are graphical illustrations of the growth in the stock of both low and high density housing units in the Town of Essex from 2006 to 2021.

We also keep track of the number of residential permits issued each month and the total residential construction value. In 2022, Essex saw 141 residential building permits have been issued, with a total residential construction value of almost $146 million dollars. Both of these numbers surpass the yearly totals for any of the past three years. Below is a graphical representation of residential building permits and total residential construction value.

Industrial/Commercial Development

We also keep track of the number of industrial/commercial permits issued each year and the total industrial/commercial construction value. Below is a graphical illustration of industrial/commercial permits and industrial/commercial construction value.

To view our monthly development overviews click here.