[3] Its main town, Tappahanock, is focused at the Rappahanock River.

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 9,989 people, 3,995 households, and 2,740 families residing in the county.

The racial makeup of the county was 57.96% White, 39.04% Black or African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races.

26.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Essex County Public Schools (ECPS) is the public schools system for Essex County, Virginia, United States.