As of the 2010 census, its population was 1,480 and it contained 686 housing units.

[2] The now lost towns of Tracy, Oklahoma, and Clarke City, which housed coal miners in the 1800s, were located in Essex Township.

The township is governed by an elected Town Board of a Supervisor and four Trustees.

The Township also has an elected Assessor, Clerk, Highway Commissioner and Supervisor.

The Township Office is located at 315 North Pine, Essex, IL 60935.