Median Income
$75,938
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$368,400
31% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
305/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
51.3%
52% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$379
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.1%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
2% higher than US avg
How Empire Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population384
Median Age63.7 yrs
Density373/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,938
Per Capita$60,295
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$741M
Commute24 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$368,400
Rent$379
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$608,126
Housing Units362
Rent Burden36.4%
Crime
F
Violent305/100K
Property1,840/100K
Health
Obesity30.1%
Uninsured3.9%
Smoking9.0%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation619 ft (189 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+51.3%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+21.0%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations5
Libraries4
Is Empire a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Empire receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. 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 $75,938, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Empire is $368,400, 31% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $379 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Empire is below the national average at 305 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Empire is a highly educated community / 51.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Empire experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 93.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Empire has a population of 384 with a density of 373 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 63.7 years, 64% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.7yrs
Median Age
64% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Empire is $75,938, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $60,295 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $877, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 483 business establishments, including 67 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 18.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,938 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $60,295 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,228 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 483 |
| County GDP | $741M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,350 |
| 139% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.8% |
The median home value in Empire is $368,400, 31% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $608,126, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $379 (67% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 362 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $8,350 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $368,400 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $608,126 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $379 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 362 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,350 |
| 139% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.27% |
In Empire, 30.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 26.3% have high blood pressure. 9.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 14.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 3.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657. The dentist ratio is 1:1,663. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Empire vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.3% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 8.3% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.0% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.9% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 9.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 3.9% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,657 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:559 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.1% |
| Dental Visits | 77.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,354/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Empire has a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,840 per 100,000, 6% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 304.5/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,840.5/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Empire experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 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 34.3 inches. The area receives 93.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 619 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 619 ft (189 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 373/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8126°N, 86.0593°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Benzie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
55 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 79 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2008 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1990 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 1989 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GRANT RX (2,204 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
9 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
66 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
10 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Empire has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.7").
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 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($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 |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
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 |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($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 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| 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) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $575 |
| Toddler | $638 |
| Preschool | $638 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $860 |
| Toddler | $860 |
| Preschool | $841 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire
What is the population of Empire?
Empire has a population of 384 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 373 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Empire expensive to live in?
Empire has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $75,938, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $368,400 (31% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $379 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x, 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 305 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Empire receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Empire?
Empire has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 93.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Empire?
The job market in Empire is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $877. There are 483 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 18.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Empire?
The median home value in Empire is $368,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $608,126. For renters, the median monthly rent is $379. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $8,350.
How are the schools in Empire?
Schools in Empire score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 51.3% of adults in Empire hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 21.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Empire?
The obesity rate in Empire is 30.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.0% of adults are smokers. 14.9% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 3.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657.
What is transportation like in Empire?
The average commute in Empire is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Empire?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Empire is 91.9% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 23.0% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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