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US City Data

Empire, CA

Population 3,867 · California

Population
3,867
Median Income
$48,990
Median Home Value
$306,700
Median Rent
$1,106/mo

About Empire, CA

Empire is a small community in California with a population of 3,867 residents. The median household income is $48,990 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Empire is 38.1 years.

Housing in Empire has a median home value of $306,700 and median monthly rent of $1,106. Of the 1,198 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 677 owner-occupied and 495 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Empire is 13.6% and the poverty rate is 28.7%. 8.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 26.8 minutes.

Cost of Living in Empire, CA

Compared to national averages, Empire has a median household income of $48,990 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $306,700, which is 25% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,106 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Empire's income is 50% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 53% below the state median of $653,874.

Income vs National
$48,990
National: $75,149
California: $97,829
Home Value vs National
$306,700
National: $244,900
California: $653,874
Rent vs National
$1,106
National: $1,163
California: $1,808
Unemployment vs National
13.6%
National: 3.7%
California: 9.2%

Why Live in Empire, CA?

Empire offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,106/month.

Potential considerations include median household income ($48,990) that falls below the national average. However, Empire’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Empire has a population of 3,867 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Empire with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.

Similar Cities Near Empire

Cities in California with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Granite Hills3,867$149,938$892,700Compare
Woodbridge3,868$100,682$553,700Compare
Forestville3,862$105,139$706,200Compare
Auburn Lake Trails3,861$128,500$483,000Compare
Loyola3,883$250,001$2,000,001Compare
Bella Vista3,843$88,318$439,600Compare
Hidden Meadows3,899$119,394$830,000Compare
Lockeford3,902$93,438$450,400Compare

Demographics

38.1
Median Age
1,981
Male
1,886
Female
20%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White52.1Hispanic/Latino6.2Black1.3Asian4.9Two or More0.2

Economy & Education

13.6%
Unemployment Rate
28.7%
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
26.8 min
Avg Commute

Housing

1,198
Total Housing Units
677
Owner Occupied
495
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in California

Alta Sierra Cdp Kern County CaliforniaAlta Sierra Cdp Nevada County CaliforniaBayview Cdp Contra Costa County CaliforniaBayview Cdp Humboldt County CaliforniaBear Valley Cdp Alpine County CaliforniaBear Valley Cdp Mariposa County California

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Empire With Other Cities

Empire vs Alta Sierra Cdp Kern County CaliforniaEmpire vs Alta Sierra Cdp Nevada County CaliforniaEmpire vs Bayview Cdp Contra Costa County CaliforniaEmpire vs Bayview Cdp Humboldt County California

Frequently Asked Questions about Empire

What is the population of Empire, CA?

The population of Empire, CA is 3,867 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Empire?

The median household income in Empire, CA is $48,990 per year.

What is the median home value in Empire?

The median home value in Empire, CA is $306,700.

What is the average rent in Empire?

The median monthly rent in Empire, CA is $1,106.

What is the unemployment rate in Empire?

The unemployment rate in Empire, CA is 13.6%.

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