At a Glance
Median Income
$75,938
$60,295 per capita
Home Value
$368,400
Zillow: $643,886
Median Rent
$379/mo
36.4% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
51.3%
98.1% high school+
Unemployment
1.5%
12.7% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
30.1%
9.0% smoking rate
How Empire Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Empire's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Empire a Good Place to Live?
A
4.3 / 5.0 - Great
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Empire residents earn a median household income of $75,938 , which is 1% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $60,295. The unemployment rate stands at 1.5% (58% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 483 business establishments, including 67 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Empire is $368,400 , 31% above the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $643,886. Median rent is $379/month, with 36.4% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 96.2 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1974.
Education
51.3% of adults in Empire hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(52% above the national average).
98.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.7/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Empire has an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C).
Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Data Overview
People
Population384
Median Age63.7 yrs
Density373/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Foreign Born0.8%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,938
Per Capita$60,295
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$741M
Avg Weekly Wage$877
Housing
B+
Home Value$368,400
Rent$379
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$643,886
Housing Units362
Rent Burden36.4%
Health
Obesity30.1%
Diabetes6.9%
Smoking9.0%
Heart Disease4.3%
Premature Death9,354/100K
Climate
Avg Temp46°F
Rain35.7 in/yr
AQI38 (Good)
Elevation619 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+51.3%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+21.0%
School Score5.7/10
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.1%
Internet Speed138 Mbps
EV Stations5
Libraries4
Did You Know?
Empire was founded in 1895.
The median home in Empire was built in 1974.
18.8% work from home.
The nearest airport is Gaylord Regional (68 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.445 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
22.9% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 138 Mbps.
The county recorded 2 fatal vehicle crashes.