Median Income
$88,750
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$169,000
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.2%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$867
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Empire City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population798
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density86/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,750
Per Capita$41,596
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$209M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,000
Rent$867
Ownership90.8%
Zillow$131,900
Housing Units344
Rent Burden19.4%
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking17.7%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
Rain31.9 in/yr
Elevation1,140 ft (347 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.2%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+12.1%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute34 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Empire City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Empire City receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Empire City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Empire City is $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Empire City is $169,000, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Empire City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches.
Empire City has a population of 798 with a density of 86 people per square mile, spread across 10.9 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
798
Total Population
2023 Census
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Empire City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Empire City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Empire City is $88,750, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,596. The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Empire City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,750 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,596 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,469 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $209M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,440 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Empire City is $169,000, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,900, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $222,500 with homes selling in an average of 184 days. Homes sell for 94.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $867 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 344 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $1,440 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $131,900 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $222,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $222,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $137 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 184 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $867 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.2% |
| Housing Units | 344 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,440 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.85% |
In Empire City, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. 0.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Empire City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,714 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,788/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Empire City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. The area receives 2.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,140 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,140 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 10.9 sq mi (28.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 86/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4776°N, 98.0594°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cotton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawton-Fort Sill Regional (LAW)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.9"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.85"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
878 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 29, 2025.
| Dec 7, 2013 |
8 km SW of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
140 km |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
7 km NNE of Lake Aluma, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
138 km |
| Jan 13, 2024 |
6 km W of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| Jan 18, 1995 |
4 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
54 km |
| Jan 1, 2016 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Aug 3, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Jan 13, 2024 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
145 km |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
7 km NE of Lake Aluma, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
3 km N of Harrah, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Apr 28, 1998 |
9 km NE of Medicine Park, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
47 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
5 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
53 km |
| Nov 5, 2013 |
8 km SSW of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Feb 8, 2002 |
8 km SW of Elgin, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
39 km |
| Jan 15, 2010 |
3 km ENE of Jones, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| May 31, 2014 |
1 km ESE of Choctaw, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
6 km E of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 9, 2013 |
5 km NNE of Jones, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Jan 15, 2010 |
3 km ESE of Jones, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Sep 25, 2023 |
9 km WNW of Velma, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
26 km |
| Aug 23, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
861 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 161 fatalities, 3,366 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2013 |
EF5 |
98 km |
24 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF5 |
75 km |
36 |
| Apr 3, 1964 |
EF5 |
76 km |
7 |
| May 9, 2016 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Feb 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
73 km |
8 |
| May 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF4 |
91 km |
42 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1972 |
EF4 |
48 km |
5 |
| May 26, 1962 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF4 |
47 km |
4 |
| Nov 3, 2024 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 9, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOCO-HEALDTON (56,584 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
LOCO-HEALDTON |
56,584 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
FERGUSON |
41,429 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
ARBUCKLE |
29,823 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
WINDMILL |
28,410 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
MONTAGUE COUNTY COMPLEX |
25,907 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
TOWNLEY ROAD |
24,139 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
RATCLIFF CITY-TATUMS |
23,099 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
TWO MILE HILL COMPLEX |
20,991 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
BRUSHY MOUNTAIN |
18,412 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
WESTSIDE |
16,723 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
RINGGOLD |
16,382 |
76 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
15,416 |
69 km |
| 1996 |
HENRIETTA FIRE |
13,629 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
RATLIFF CITY |
12,435 |
55 km |
| 2024 |
RUSH |
12,239 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
WICHITA COUNTY COMPLEX |
12,118 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,392 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,943 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
62 FIRE |
9,804 |
80 km |
| 1993 |
CRATER CREEK |
8,963 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Empire City has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 40°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Empire City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $894 |
| Toddler | $773 |
| Preschool | $773 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire City
What is the population of Empire City?
Empire City has a population of 798 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 86 people per square mile, spread across 10.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Empire City expensive to live in?
Empire City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,000 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Empire City?
Empire City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 31.9 inches, with 2.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Empire City?
The job market in Empire City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Empire City?
The median home value in Empire City is $169,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,900. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $222,500, with homes typically selling within 184 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $867. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.8%. The average annual property tax is $1,440.
How are the schools in Empire City?
Schools in Empire City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.2% of adults in Empire City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 12.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Empire City?
The obesity rate in Empire City is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 0.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Empire City?
The average commute in Empire City is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Empire City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Empire City is 89.5% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.