<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ESSEX
PORTFOLIO, L.P. REPORT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                          18,276
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   20,634
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                49,312
<PP&E>                                         927,498
<DEPRECIATION>                                  71,734
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 920,234
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           53,877
<BONDS>                                        360,508
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     497,867
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   920,234
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                92,171
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   43,930
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 3,728
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   930
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              14,259
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 29,333
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             29,333
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                    806
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    28,527
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.20<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.18
<FN>
<F1>FOR PURPOSES OF THIS EXHIBIT PRIMARY MEANS BASIC.
</FN>