What does this measure?
The cumulative percentage change in average salary since 2000.
Why is this important?
Salaries are a gauge of overall economic health and a measure of the degree to which employees are sharing in the prosperity of a community. They also indicate the vitality of a region and its ability to compete and attract workers.
How is our county doing?
The total average salary in Essex County has increased 6% between 2000 and 2019. This compares to growth of 15% in the state and 13% in the nation. Essex County had an average salary of $62,000 in 2019.
How do we compare to other counties?
Essex County's change in average salary was below the comparison counties. The comparison counties had increases of 10% to 20%. Middlesex, MA had the highest average salary ($89,000), followed by Lake County, IL and Westchester, NY (each $76,000).
Notes about the data
Data are presented in constant 2019 dollars. Worker salaries are reported by place of work, not residence. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the third quarter.