What does this measure?

The number of establishments in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector, shown as a rate per 10,000 people.

Why is this important?

Arts and cultural attractions bring visitors and money into a region, and contribute to the vitality and prestige of a community.

How is our county doing?

In 2020, there were 4.9 establishments in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector per 10,000 residents in Essex County. This was similar to the state rate and higher than the U.S. rate of 4.6.

Since 2000, the county rate has fluctuated, starting at a low of 4.4 in 2000 and peaking at 5.4 in 2017 and 2018. Overall, in Essex County the number of establishments in this sector per 10,000 residents in 2020 was 12% higher than in 2000. The state and nation also increased 18% and 24% over this time period.

How do we compare to similar counties?

In 2020, the number of Arts, Entertainment and Recreation establishments per 10,000 residents in Lake County, IL and Middlesex County, MA (5.5 and 5.0, respectively) were similar to Essex, while the rate was significantly higher in Westchester County, NY (7.2).

Notes about the data

County establishment estimates are reported by place of work, not place of residence.. An establishment is a single physical location at which business is conducted or services or industrial operations are performed.