average July temperatures into the 80s. Demographics As of the census of 2000, there were 6,505 people, 2,811 households, and 1,776 families residing in the town. The population density was . There were 2,977 housing units at an average density of . There were 2,811 households, out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.87. In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males. The median income for a household in the town was $66,746, and the median income for a family was $88,888. Males had a median income of $54,053 versus $38,276 for females. The per capita income for the town was $42,806. About 0.5% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.0% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over. Ancestry/Ethnicity The largest self-reported ancestry groups in Essex, Connecticut are: English 24.9% Irish 23.1% Italian 18.6% German 15.5% Scottish 6.1% Polish 6.6% French 6.3% Swedish 5.0% Town layout Government The Essex Town Hall is located on the corner of West Avenue and Grove Street in Essex. Police/Fire/EMS -Essex Police Department (Unionized) is attached to the rear of the town hall (Essex has a resident state trooper as well as 5 constables). The town pays the Connecticut State Police for a state trooper to supervise the constables. The First Selectman is considered the Chief of Police. -Essex Fire Engine Co. 1 has two fire houses: the central fire house on the corner of Route 153 and Route 154 and the sub-station in Ivoryton on Summit Street. The Fire Department is the designated PSA holder for first responding to medical emergencies. The annual budget for Essex Fire is noted to be about