<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Essex
Property Trust, Inc. year ended report for the twelve months ended December,
1997.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          10,375
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   17,866
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                32,079
<PP&E>                                         738,835
<DEPRECIATION>                                  58,040
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 738,835
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           34,734
<BONDS>                                        276,597
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          2
<COMMON>                                             1
<OTHER-SE>                                     398,915
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   738,835
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                89,683
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   39,818
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 6,882
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              13,306
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 29,677
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             29,677
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                    361
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    29,316
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.96<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.92
<FN>
<F1>As it relates to this schedule, Primary means Basic.
</FN>