Median Income
$45,018
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,700
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.5%
65% higher than US avg
How Empire Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,218
Median Age27.7 yrs
Density233/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,018
Per Capita$20,803
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty20.5%
County GDP$4,007M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,700
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$136,582
Housing Units530
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property2,801/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking22.4%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease8.0%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain62.8 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation7 ft (2 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+71.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute20 min
Broadband68.6%
EV Stations8
Libraries3
Is Empire a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Empire receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Empire has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Empire is $45,018, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 20.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Empire is $84,700, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Empire is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,801 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Empire enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 62.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Empire has a population of 1,218 with a density of 233 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age is 27.7 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (47.5%), with 37.7% White, 3.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.8% of residents, while 16.2% speak Spanish. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.7yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.8%
7% above US avg
Spanish
16.2%
21% above US avg
The median household income in Empire is $45,018, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,803 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,696, 18% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 876 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,018 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,696 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,259 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.5% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 876 |
| County GDP | $4,007M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Empire is $84,700, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,582, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 530 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $2,988. 37.5% 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 | $84,700 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,582 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 530 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.53% |
In Empire, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.0% of residents, above the national average. 42.1% have high blood pressure. 22.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 36.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,661. The dentist ratio is 1:3,753. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Empire vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.4% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.6% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,661 |
| Dentists | 1:3,753 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 40.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,582/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Empire has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,801 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 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 | 235.7/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,800.5/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| 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 70°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 317 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 62.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 7 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 70.3°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.4452°N, 89.6144°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Plaquemines Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
62.8"
65% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Mar 16, 2001.
| Mar 16, 2001 |
106 km SSE of Venice, Louisiana |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Oct 18, 1997 |
69 km SSW of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.9 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
126 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
147 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
222 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
56 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
138 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
6 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
265 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
150 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
230 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
151 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
18 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
192 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
241 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
136 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
207 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 372 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
75 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
76 km |
1 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 2006 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2005 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2004 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1998 |
EF2 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1995 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1993 |
EF2 |
60 km |
3 |
| Apr 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1982 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
BAYOU LACROIX |
1,714 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 7 |
1,623 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
BOY SCOUT EAST |
826 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
78 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
717 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
652 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
LOWER BAY |
599 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
LAKE SHORE FIRE |
592 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
12 SOUTH EAST |
542 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
ANSLEY |
526 |
87 km |
| 1997 |
STAND 2 |
521 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
6.3 in |
|
| October |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
57°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
|
Empire has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 54°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.9") and October the driest (3.4").
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) |
$221 ($132-$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176-$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706-$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132-$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353-$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132-$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528-$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353-$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851-$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441-$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410-$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764-$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706-$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176-$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882-$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65-$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21-$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21-$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65-$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53-$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71-$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($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-$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058-$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529-$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441-$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176-$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353-$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410-$26,460) |
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 |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire
What is the population of Empire?
Empire has a population of 1,218 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 233 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Empire expensive to live in?
Empire is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,018, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,700 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Empire safe?
Empire is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,801 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 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 62.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Empire?
The job market in Empire is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,696. There are 876 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Empire?
The median home value in Empire is $84,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,582. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,988.
How are the schools in Empire?
Schools in Empire score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Empire hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Empire?
The obesity rate in Empire is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.4% of adults are smokers. 36.6% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,661.
What is transportation like in Empire?
The average commute in Empire is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Empire?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Empire is 37.7% White, 47.5% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 83.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.2% speak Spanish. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
