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 2023, there were 5.3 establishments in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector per 10,000 residents in Essex County. This was less than the state rate of 7.2 and the U.S. rate of 6.2.
Since 2010, the county rate has hovered around 5 per 10,000 since 2010. Rates at the state and national levels have increased 12% and 19% respectively. Overall, in Essex County the actual number of establishments in this sector in 2023 was 18% higher than in 2010.
How do we compare to similar counties?
In 2023, the number of Arts, Entertainment and Recreation establishments per 10,000 residents in Lake County, IL and Middlesex County, MA (5.9 and 5.3, respectively) were similar to Essex, while the rate was significantly higher in Westchester County, NY (7.6).
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.