Background Image

Essexville, MI

Area Guide

Avg Rent

$903

Population

3,275

Renter Mix

12% Rent

Experience the quiet suburban lifestyle along the Saginaw River

Suburb River Affordable

Tucked along the eastern bank of the Saginaw River, Essexville is a compact, close-knit city in Bay County that offers a quieter pace without sacrificing access to the larger metro area. Covering just two square miles, the city sits within the Saginaw-Midland-Bay City metropolitan region, putting residents within easy reach of employment centers, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions in neighboring Bay City and Saginaw. Essexville's roots go back to the 1860s, when it was first platted by early settler Ransom P. Essex, and it was officially incorporated as a city in 1934. That long-standing sense of community still shapes the character of the place today. The housing stock here is predominantly residential, with low-rise apartment communities scattered throughout the city, including options near the Bay County Golf Course. Renters will find a selection of well-established, affordable units ranging from studios to multi-bedroom layouts, with a housing landscape that leans toward traditional architecture and ground-level living. Saginaw Bay is just a short drive away, making waterfront recreation a genuine part of daily life. For those who want a settled, approachable neighborhood feel with convenient ties to a larger regional hub, Essexville offers a grounded place to call home.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$67,146

Average: $80,730

Education

785

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

1,557

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

43 Years

Largest Age Group

60-69 Years

Approximately 14% of Residents

Under 20

22%

Over 65

23%

Housing Distribution

Essexville has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
12%
Non-Renters
88%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
18%
Other Education
82%

Rent Trends

As of June 2026, the average apartment rent in Essexville, MI is $842 for a studio, $903 for one bedroom, $970 for two bedrooms, and $1,244 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Essexville has increased by 1.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$903/month
644 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Essexville, MI

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

30 / 100

Very Drivable

Drivability

80 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

50 / 100

Schools

Verellen Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

310 Students

Cramer Junior High School

Public

Grades K-8

493 Students

W.R. Bush Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

231 Students

Llc---Bay Campus

Public

Grades PK-12

45 Students

Cramer Junior High School

Public

Grades K-8

493 Students

Llc---Bay Campus

Public

Grades PK-12

45 Students

Garber High School

Public

Grades 9-12

472 Students

Llc---Bay Campus

Public

Grades PK-12

45 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Delta College Planetarium & Learning Center
  • Bay City Recreation Area
  • Veterans Memorial Park

Military Bases

Airports

  • MBS International

Top Apartments in Essexville

Living in Essexville

History

-

Essexville's roots reach back to the mid-19th century when the lumber industry drove settlement along the Saginaw River. Named after early settler Essex Miller, this small city grew as a key port for timber shipments during Michigan's logging boom. Many of the homes and buildings you'll encounter today reflect this heritage, with Victorian-era architecture and traditional storefronts lining the streets near downtown. The city's connection to the water remains visible, and historic structures have been carefully maintained to preserve the character that defines the community. Essexville hosts seasonal events that celebrate its past, including heritage celebrations that bring residents together. The nearby Hampton Township area and waterfront parks offer glimpses into the region's maritime and industrial history, making it easy to appreciate the layers of development that shaped this riverside city into the quiet residential community it is today.

Transportation

-

Essexville is a small city in Bay County, Michigan, situated just north of Bay City along the Saginaw Bay shoreline. Most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around, with M-25 serving as a key road connecting Essexville to neighboring Bay City and communities along the bay. Interstate 75, accessible via Bay City, opens up travel to Saginaw to the south and Flint beyond that. Bay Metro Transit provides public bus service connecting Essexville to the broader Bay City area, offering a practical option for those without a car. MBS International Airport in nearby Freeland handles regional flights, while Detroit Metropolitan Airport is roughly two hours south for wider travel needs.

Parks

-

Essexville residents enjoy easy access to a variety of outdoor spaces along the Saginaw Bay shoreline and surrounding Bay County. Veteran's Memorial Park is a local favorite, offering open green space and a relaxed setting for picnics and recreation. Nearby, the Bay City State Recreation Area features sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center set along the scenic shores of Saginaw Bay. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the adjacent Tobico Marsh State Game Area, one of Michigan's largest freshwater marshes and a premier destination for birdwatching and nature photography.

Highlights

-

Essexville, Michigan, is a welcoming small city nestled along the Saginaw Bay shoreline in Bay County, offering residents a peaceful, close-knit community feel with easy access to the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region. The city's proximity to Bay City expands everyday conveniences, including shopping, dining, and employment opportunities, while Essexville itself maintains a quiet, residential character with well-kept neighborhoods and nearby waterfront recreation. Its central Lower Peninsula location also provides straightforward access to major Michigan destinations, making it an appealing option for those seeking small-town charm without sacrificing connectivity.

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.