Living in Empire, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Empire · Census data 2020–2024
Empire has 341 residents with a median age of 63.6. The median household income is $83,929 (15% higher than the Michigan median), the median home value is $456,300.
Empire is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Empire at a glance
- Population
- 341
- Median age
- 63.6State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $83,929State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $456,300State: $231,600
- Homeowners
- 79.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 56.4%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is Empire a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 15% higher than the Michigan median; an average commute of 24 minutes.
Cons: Home values 97% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 14.7%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Empire
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Empire the median home value is $456,300, 37% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of — per month, which is 16.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,950 a month in housing costs.
Empire median household income
The median household income in Empire is $83,929 and the income per person is $67,876. 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in Empire: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 321
- Owner-occupied
- 79.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 20.3%
- Vacant
- 46.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1977
- Average household size
- 1.98
46.4% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Empire has many vacation and second homes.
Empire demographics
- Population
- 341
- Median age
- 63.6
- Under 18
- 19.1%
- 65 and older
- 43.1%
- Households
- 172
- Foreign-born
- 0.6%
- Veterans
- 8.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Empire ›
Education in Empire
56.4% of adults 25 and older in Empire have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 27.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Empire
- Unemployment rate
- 0%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 21.2%
- Drive alone
- 72%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 92.4%
Empire vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire | 341 | $83,929 | $456,300 | — |
| Honor | 172 | $45,341 | $223,800 | — |
| Maple City | 183 | $104,750 | $316,700 | $1,232 |
| Lake Ann | 273 | $70,625 | $338,900 | $1,200 |
| Beulah | 218 | $71,000 | $485,700 | $607 |
| Hardwood Acres | 611 | $109,196 | $276,700 | — |
| Benzonia | 718 | $61,875 | $209,100 | $1,125 |
| Frankfort | 1,225 | $54,327 | $350,000 | $876 |
| Elberta | 174 | $114,375 | $267,600 | — |
More for people moving to Empire
Empire ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Empire: FAQ
What is the median household income in Empire, MI?
The median household income in Empire is $83,929, 15% higher than the Michigan median of $72,875 (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 $456,300, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
Is Empire, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 15% higher than the Michigan median; an average commute of 24 minutes. Minuses: home values 97% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 14.7%.
What is the median age in Empire?
The median age in Empire is 63.6 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Empire?
The average commute to work in Empire is 24 minutes; 21.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Empire?
The unemployment rate in Empire is 0% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Empire?
56.4% 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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