Essex, Maryland
Essex: This Baltimore County community is situated at an elevation of 39 feet.
About
Essex is a CDP located in the county of Baltimore in the U.S. state of Maryland. After 8 years in 2018 city had an estimated population of 1,832,752 inhabitants.
Essex is an unincorporated community in Baltimore County, Maryland located on the Back River Neck peninsula. Once a busy shipbuilding center, today Essex offers historic sites, community parks, and delicious dining options.
History of Essex
Essex has a long history dating back to the 17th century. It was originally inhabited by Native Americans before becoming colonized. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Essex was well-known for its shipbuilding industry which supported Baltimore's thriving port. Some of the ships built in Essex included clipper ships, schooners, and warships. The town's shipbuilding industry declined in the late 20th century but some companies like Bach Yacht Designs still operate today.
Things to See and Do in Essex
Some of the top attractions in Essex include:
- Essex Park: This large community park includes hiking trails, sports fields, a dog park, and playgrounds.
- Steams Park: Situated along the Back River, this park offers walking paths, fishing spots, and picnic areas.
- Historic St. John's Church: Built in 1696, this is one of the oldest churches in Maryland.
- Essex Museum: Learn about the history of shipbuilding and view artifacts at this local museum.
- Back River Neck Peninsula: Take in views of the Chesapeake Bay and Hart-Miller Island from this scenic peninsula.
Dining in Essex
Essex has several casual eateries and pubs featuring local seafood. Popular spots include The Pit Beef Shack, Bull on the Beach, and Grace's Gourmet Cafe. Those looking for waterfront dining can visit The Bowleys Quarters which sits along the Back River.
With its small town charm, historic sites, parks, and casual dining, Essex offers a nice spot to explore local Maryland history and culture. Its scenic riverside location along the Chesapeake Bay also makes it a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors.
Quick Facts about Essex
| Population | 1,832,752 (2018) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Maryland (United States) |
| County | Baltimore County |
| Postal code | 21221 |
| Area | 30.8 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 39.3093,-76.4750 |
| Altitude | 39 feet / 12 meters |
| Time Zone | America/New_York |
| Local time | 10:53:43 (18th April 2026) |
| Density | 59,499 Pop. per km² as of 2018 |
| Weather | 80℉ Mostly Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Essex is located at 39°18'33"N 76°28'30"W (39.3092700, -76.4749600).
Essex map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Weather
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
7-Day ForecastDemographics
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1,455,340 | - | census |
| 2018 | 1,832,752 | 20.59% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Essex
1Rocky Point Park and Beach
2200 Rocky Point Rd, Essex, MD 21221, United States View details
Phone: +14108872818 | Website available
2Autobahn indoor Speedway & Events - Baltimore North / White Marsh, MD
8415 Kelso Dr Ste 100, Essex, MD 21221, United States View details
Phone: +14107775593 | Website available
3Hart-Miller Island State Park
Essex, MD 21221, United States View details
Phone: +14104770757 | Website available
4Martindale Park
Essex, MD 21221, United States View details
Website available
5Heritage Society of Essex & Middle River
516 Eastern Blvd, Essex, MD 21221, United States View details
Phone: +14435795266 | Website available
People born in Essex (4)
People born in Essex, including politician Dennis F. Rasmussen, politician Michael H. Weir, Jr., Ric Metzgar, .
More notable people
- Robin Grammer he was born in 01/01/1980
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Essex, MD. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 163815 | Maryland Beauty Academy of Essex | Baltimore (MD) | 21224 |
| 434672 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore (MD) | 21237 |
| 373784 | All-State Career-Baltimore | Baltimore (MD) | 21224 |
| 163453 | Morgan State University | Baltimore (MD) | 21251-0001 |
| 461379 | Holistic Massage Training Institute | Baltimore (MD) | 21218 |
Nearby Transit Stations (32)
Rail and bus stations connected to Essex, MD. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAL | Pennsylvania Station | 1515 North Charles Street | RAIL |
| BWI | BWI Rail Station | 7 Amtrak Way | RAIL |
| ABE | Aberdeen | 18 East Bel Air Ave. | RAIL |
| KNT | Kent Island, MD | 3206 Main Street | BUS |
| NCR | New Carrollton station | 4300 Garden City Drive | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Essex.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Essex Post Office | Essex (MD) | 21221 |
| Rosedal Post Office | Rosedale (MD) | 21237 |
| East Point Mall Post Office | Baltimore (MD) | 21224 |
| Middle River Post Office | Middle River (MD) | 21220 |
| Highlandtown Post Office | Baltimore (MD) | 21224 |
Other places with the same name (6)
- Essex, Connecticut town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States with a population of 6,634 people.
- Essex, Massachusetts town in Essex County, New York with a population of 3,824 people.
- Essex, Iowa city in Page County, Iowa, United States with a population of 737 people.
- Essex, New York town in Essex County, New York with a population of 630 people.
- Essex, Illinois village in Kankakee County, Illinois with a population of 548 people.
- Essex, Missouri city in Stoddard County, Missouri with a population of 447 people.
Other cities in Baltimore County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Baltimore County , MD. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Dundalk | 63,597 | Census-designated place in Maryland, United States |
| Towson | 55,197 | Suburb of Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Catonsville | 41,567 | A city in Baltimore County, Maryland. |
| Randallstown | 32,430 | Census designated place |
| Pikesville | 30,764 | Location in Maryland |
| Parkville | 30,734 | Census designated place in Baltimore County |
| Owings Mills | 30,622 | Census designated place |
| Carney | 29,941 | Census designated place |
| Milford Mill | 29,042 | Census designated place |
| Perry Hall | 28,474 | Place in Maryland, US |
| Reisterstown | 25,968 | Census designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States |
| Lochearn | 25,333 | Census designated place |
| Middle River | 25,191 | City in Marshall County, Minnesota, United States |
| Cockeysville | 20,776 | Census designated place |
| Arbutus | 20,483 | Census-designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States |
| Rosedale | 19,257 | City in Mississippi, United States |
Distance to Other Cities
Essex distances to largest Maryland cities