Median Income
$60,250
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,600
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
929/100K
144% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.7%
14% lower than US avg
How Empire Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population447
Median Age26.0 yrs
Density194/mi²
Male / Female73% / 27%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans1.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,250
Per Capita$37,074
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.7%
County GDP$367M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,600
Ownership80.8%
Zillow$160,686
Housing Units164
Rent Burden32.9%
Crime
F
Violent929/100K
Property8,191/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured13.5%
Smoking18.5%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain47.0 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation357 ft (109 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband65.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Empire a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Empire receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Empire offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Empire is $60,250, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Empire is $97,600, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 929 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,191 per 100,000, 318% above the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Empire enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Empire has a population of 447 with a density of 194 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 26.0 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 27.1% female and 72.9% male. The city is predominantly White (67.8%), with 32.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 44.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.0yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Empire is $60,250, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,074. The average weekly wage is $875, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 220 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,250 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,074 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $875 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,334 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.7% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 220 |
| County GDP | $367M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,861 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Empire is $97,600, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,686, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 164 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $2,861 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,600 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,686 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.2% |
| Housing Units | 164 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,861 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.93% |
In Empire, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 13.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,202. The dentist ratio is 1:6,128. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Empire vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.5% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,202 |
| Dentists | 1:6,128 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,155 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 53.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,846/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Empire has a violent crime rate of 929 per 100,000 residents, 144% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,191 per 100,000, 318% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Empire receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Empire vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 928.7/100K |
| 144% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,190.9/100K |
| 318% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Empire enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 357 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 357 ft (109 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 194/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3371°N, 83.2830°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bleckley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Middle Georgia Regional (MCN)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.0"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 12, 2022.
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
108 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
67 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
105 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
93 km |
| Apr 23, 1993 |
14 km E of Mount Zion, Georgia |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| May 3, 2011 |
6 km WNW of Mitchell, Georgia |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| Sep 12, 2022 |
13 km NE of Jackson, Georgia |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
105 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
0 km NNW of Crawfordville, Georgia |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
58 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
115 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
271 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
166 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
263 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
95 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
262 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
431 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 741 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
95 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF4 |
42 km |
18 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Mar 3, 1952 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 2017 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2017 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,808 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,808 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
14A-14B-15A-16E-17E |
3,397 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
10 A 11 E 11 W RX BURN |
2,969 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,753 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
COMP 10 |
2,588 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,574 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 2 |
2,505 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,433 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
COMP 1312 |
2,401 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
COMPARTMENT 4 5 6 7 8 |
2,386 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
30 |
2,195 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,143 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,101 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,974 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURN 8C/9E/10A |
1,839 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
7 8 A 8 B 9 W RX BURN |
1,805 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
GAPDR-FY18-RX-10B 11A 11B 11C 11X |
1,803 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
GAPDR FY16 RX 31A 31B 31C |
1,795 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,788 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
COMP 3 |
1,764 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
49°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Empire has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Empire. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire
What is the population of Empire?
Empire has a population of 447 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 194 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 27.1% female and 72.9% male.
Is Empire expensive to live in?
Empire has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,250, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,600 (65% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Empire safe?
Public safety is a concern in Empire, with a violent crime rate of 929 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,191 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Empire receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Empire?
Empire enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Empire?
The job market in Empire is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $875. There are 220 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Empire?
The median home value in Empire is $97,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,686. The homeownership rate is 80.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,861.
How are the schools in Empire?
Schools in Empire score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Empire hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Empire?
The obesity rate in Empire is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 13.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,202.
What is transportation like in Empire?
The average commute in Empire is 26 minutes. 55.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Empire?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Empire is 67.8% White, 32.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.4% of the population are military veterans. 44.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
