The historical population data for the zip code 60935, which corresponds to Essex in Illinois, suggests that the area has experienced fluctuations in population and population density over the past decade. The population has ranged from a low of 689 in 2010 to a high of 872 in 2013, with the most recent data from 2022 indicating a population of 800 and a population density of 42.62 people per square mile.

Given the zip code's size of 18.77 square miles and the 2022 population density, the area can be classified as remote rural. Remote rural areas are characterized by very sparse populations, minimal infrastructure, and limited services. The lifestyle in such areas is predominantly agricultural or undeveloped, with a focus on privacy and self-sustainability. Residents often engage in outdoor and recreational activities due to the natural environment.

The estimated number of housing units corresponding to the 2022 population, based on the national average household size of 2.61, is approximately 307. This relatively low number of housing units spread across the 18.77 square miles further supports the classification of the area as remote rural, with large expanses of land per household.