Homes & Apartments for Rent in Essex County, MA

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What to Know About

Life in Essex County & Beyond

Essex County shares many of the great qualities that make Massachusetts a desirable place to live.

Massachusetts is rich in American history and renowned for its beautiful cities and breathtaking natural landscapes. Visit historical sites such as the Freedom Trail and USS Constitution Museum to experience the birthplace of America. In addition, it's the home to world-class universities such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Boston College, adding to the state's innovation and education. Massachusetts also has a strong job market and a thriving economy.

For sports fans, Massachusetts is home to the New England Patriots (NFL), Boston Bruins (NFL), Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Celtics (NBA), and iconic venues such as Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium. In addition, the state offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences for those seeking adventure, from whale watching on the Cape Cod coast to hiking in the scenic Berkshire Mountains. See famous attractions like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the New England Aquarium, and the charming Martha's Vineyard.

With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, rich historical heritage, and endless opportunities, embrace the Bay State and discover why Massachusetts is the ideal place to call home.

Rental Market Trends

Essex County, MA

As of September 2026, Essex County's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Essex County's average rent is 12.8% ($354) lower than the Massachusetts average of $2,773 and 33.8% ($611) higher than the U.S. average of $1,808.

Average Rent
$2,419
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
Decreased3.5% ($87)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
Decreased8.3% ($220)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
28
Unit Type Average Rent Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1 Bed $2,093 Decreased3.9% ($86) Decreased11.4% ($269)
2 Beds $2,683 Decreased2.9% ($81) Decreased10.8% ($326)
3 Beds $3,260 Decreased5% ($171) Decreased12.9% ($481)
Cities within Essex County Average Rent Avg. Rent vs. EssexAverage Rent vs. Essex County Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
Lynn $2,148 Decreased11.2% ($271) 61 days
Haverhill $2,207 Decreased8.8% ($212) 27 days
Salem $2,669 Increased10.3% ($250) 27 days
Beverly $2,209 Decreased8.7% ($210) 32 days
Lawrence $2,135 Decreased11.7% ($284) 31 days
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essex County Rental Market FAQs

Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Essex County, MA.

The average rent in Essex County, MA is $2,419 per month.
Homes in Essex County typically rent for between $1,465 and $4,238 per month, with an average of $2,419 per month.
In Essex County, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home is $2,093 per month, for a 2-bedroom home, $2,683 per month, and a 3-bedroom home is $3,260 per month.
The average rent in Essex County is 33.8% ($611) higher than the national average of $1,808 per month.
The average rent in Essex County has decreased by 3.5% ($87) in the last month and decreased by 8.3% ($220) over the past year.
The rental market in Essex County, MA, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In Essex County, MA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 28 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 298 rental properties available in Essex County, MA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $107,320 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom home in Essex County.
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