Empire, CA
Population 3,867 · California
About Empire, CA
Empire is a small town located in California with a population of 3,867 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,990 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Empire features a median home value of $306,700, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Empire in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,106, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,198 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (677 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (495 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Empire shows an unemployment rate of 13.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Empire have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of Empire residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 52.1% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 20.0% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
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.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite Hills | 3,867 | $149,938 | $892,700 | Compare |
| Woodbridge | 3,868 | $100,682 | $553,700 | Compare |
| Forestville | 3,862 | $105,139 | $706,200 | Compare |
| Auburn Lake Trails | 3,861 | $128,500 | $483,000 | Compare |
| Loyola | 3,883 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Bella Vista | 3,843 | $88,318 | $439,600 | Compare |
| Hidden Meadows | 3,899 | $119,394 | $830,000 | Compare |
| Lockeford | 3,902 | $93,438 | $450,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Empire With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Empire
What is the population of Empire, CA?
The population of Empire, CA is 3,867 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Empire?
The median household income in Empire, CA is $48,990 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Empire?
The median home value in Empire, CA is $306,700, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Empire?
The median monthly rent in Empire, CA is $1,106, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Empire?
The unemployment rate in Empire, CA is 13.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Empire, CA a good place to live?
Empire offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,867 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Empire, CA?
8.5% of residents in Empire aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Empire?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Empire, CA: median home value is $306,700 (25% above national), median rent is $1,106/month, and median household income is $48,990. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Empire?
The poverty rate in Empire, CA is 28.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Empire, CA?
Empire's population is 52.1% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 20.0% of residents are foreign-born.