<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Esssex
Portlolio, L.P. report for the six months ended June 30, 2000
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 22,329
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 52,754
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 79,596
<PP&E> 1,118,219
<DEPRECIATION> 102,350
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,152,876
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 42,752
<BONDS> 475,082
0
1
<COMMON> 2
<OTHER-SE> 391,327
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,152,876
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 81,948
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 35,919
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 2,614
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 12,275
<INCOME-PRETAX> 34,836
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 34,836
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 34,836
<EPS-BASIC> 1.34
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.32
</TABLE>