Essex is a city in Stoddard County, Missouri, United States.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.29 square miles (0.75 km2), all land.

33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 238 housing units at an average density of 865.1 per square mile (334.0/km2).

31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Public education in Essex is administered by the Richland R-1 School District.

[10] Students consistently score above the state averages administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.