Empire, MI
Population 384 · Michigan
About Empire, MI
Empire is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 384 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,938 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Empire features a median home value of $368,400, which is 50% above the national median of $244,900. This places Empire in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $379, 67% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 342 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (158 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (35 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Empire shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Empire have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.3% of Empire residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Empire Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Empire, MI
Compared to national averages, Empire has a median household income of $75,938 (1% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $368,400, which is 50% above the national median. Monthly rent at $379 is 67% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Empire's income is 15% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 101% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Empire, MI?
Empire offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,938, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $379/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 51.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $368,400. However, Empire’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Empire has a population of 384 with a median age of 63.7 years. Compare Empire with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
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Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Empire
What is the population of Empire, MI?
The population of Empire, MI is 384 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Empire?
The median household income in Empire, MI is $75,938 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Empire?
The median home value in Empire, MI is $368,400, which is 50% 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, MI is $379, which is 67% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Empire?
The unemployment rate in Empire, MI is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Empire, MI a good place to live?
Empire offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 384 and a median age of 63.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Empire, MI?
51.3% of residents in Empire aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Empire?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Empire, MI: median home value is $368,400 (50% above national), median rent is $379/month, and median household income is $75,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Empire?
The poverty rate in Empire, MI is 15.1%, 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, MI?
Empire's population is 5.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.