Living in Empire, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Empire · Census data 2020–2024
Empire has 3,429 residents with a median age of 41.1. The median household income is $52,563 (47% lower than the California median), the median home value is $335,200, the median rent is $1,238/month.
Empire at a glance
- Population
- 3,429
- Median age
- 41.1State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $52,563State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $335,200State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,238/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 60.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 7.7%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Empire a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 54% lower than the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 47% lower than the California median; unemployment of 13%; a poverty rate of 22.3%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Empire
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Empire the median home value is $335,200, about the same as the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,238 per month, which is 33.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,462 a month in housing costs.
Empire median household income
The median household income in Empire is $52,563 and the income per person is $24,645. 22.3% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Empire: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,217
- Owner-occupied
- 60.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 39.2%
- Vacant
- 10.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1972
- Average household size
- 3.02
Empire demographics
- Population
- 3,429
- Median age
- 41.1
- Under 18
- 19.6%
- 65 and older
- 16.1%
- Households
- 1,093
- Foreign-born
- 21%
- Veterans
- 5.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Empire ›
Education in Empire
7.7% of adults 25 and older in Empire have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 0% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Empire
- Unemployment rate
- 13%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 0%
- Drive alone
- 81%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 96.8%
Empire vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire | 3,429 | $52,563 | $335,200 | $1,238 |
| Airport | 903 | $32,159 | $441,700 | $1,210 |
| Hughson | 7,648 | $91,557 | $511,200 | $1,748 |
| Bystrom | 4,143 | $49,094 | $319,400 | $1,189 |
| Ceres | 49,342 | $79,025 | $424,800 | $1,639 |
| Parklawn | 1,478 | $61,071 | $376,700 | $1,401 |
| Modesto | 219,215 | $79,891 | $442,700 | $1,690 |
| Rouse | 1,462 | $61,250 | $330,600 | $1,383 |
| Keyes | 5,577 | $64,524 | $344,100 | $1,546 |
More for people moving to Empire
Empire ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Empire: FAQ
What is the median household income in Empire, CA?
The median household income in Empire is $52,563, 47% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Empire?
The median home value in Empire is $335,200, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Empire?
The median gross rent in Empire is $1,238 per month, about 33.7% of household income.
Is Empire, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 54% lower than the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes. Minuses: median household income 47% lower than the California median; unemployment of 13%; a poverty rate of 22.3%.
What is the median age in Empire?
The median age in Empire is 41.1 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Empire?
The average commute to work in Empire is 23 minutes; 0% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Empire?
The unemployment rate in Empire is 13% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Empire?
7.7% of adults in Empire have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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