Empire, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,429
-11.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,563/yr
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,217
1.6% year-over-year change

Empire population

How many people live in Empire

Empire is home to 3,429 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.3% of Empire locals are male, and 44.7% are female.

Total population
3,429
-11.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.3%
1,896
Female
44.7%
1,533
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,896 55.3% -4.3%
Female 1,533 44.7% -18.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Empire is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.9% of the population, while another 29.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
30.9%
45 to 64
29.3%
Over 65
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 473 13.8% -24.6%
15 to 24 340 9.9% -24.3%
25 to 44 1,059 30.9% -8.6%
45 to 64 1,005 29.3% -2.9%
Over 65 552 16.1% -7.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Empire, 78.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 28.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.4%
Non-citizens
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,686 78.3% -12.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 391 11.4% -3.9%
Non-citizens 352 10.3% -10.4%
Racial breakdown
White
47.5%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
7.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
28.4%
Other
16.3%
Value Percent
White 1,628 47.5%
Black or African American 7 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 261 7.6%
Two or more races 975 28.4%
Other 558 16.3%

Households in Empire

A peek inside Empire households

Empire has 1,093 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 90.6% are families, while the remaining 9.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,093
-6.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
103
Family households
990
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 103 9.4% -8.8%
Family households 990 90.6% -6.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Empire

The housing landscape of Empire

Empire's housing consists of 1,217 units, with 85.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,217
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,045 85.9%
2 units 25 2%
3 or 4 units 47 3.9%
Mobile home 100 8.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Empire

In Empire, the median construction year is 1972. About 4.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 52 4.3% -52.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 105 8.6% -20.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 193 15.9% 9.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 146 12% 64.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 568 46.7% 14.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 81 6.7% -25.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 59 4.8% 59.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 1.1% -74.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Empire occupancy rates

Out of the 1,093 occupied housing units in Empire, 60.8% are owner-occupied, while 39.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,093
-6.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
428
Owner occupied
665
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 428 39.2% -13.5%
Owner occupied 665 60.8% -1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Empire housing costs

Housing costs in Empire come to a median of $1,073 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,238.

Median housing costs per month
$1,073/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Empire
$1,238/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Empire

Empire education at a glance

About 57.8% of the population in Empire went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.5% earned an associate degree and 7.3% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 245 8.9% -38.8%
High school diploma 1,593 57.8% -2.0%
College diploma 538 19.5% -19.0%
Associate degree 179 6.5% 30.7%
Bachelor's degree 201 7.3% -14.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Empire

How much people earn in Empire

The average annual household income in Empire was $70,983 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +14.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,563, reflecting a +7.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Empire
$70,983/year
14.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Empire
$52,563/year
7.3% year-over-year change

Empire income by age

In Empire, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $53,188. Overall, 78.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $53,188 6.0%
Over 65 $51,563 4.0%
Above poverty level
2,599
Below poverty level
728
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,599 78.1% -4.0%
Below poverty level 728 21.9% -32.3%

Average renter income in Empire

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Empire, their median household income was $35,128 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,128
Rent-to-income ratio
42.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Empire

Workforce and job types in Empire

The job market in Empire is powered by 1,367 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 77.5% are employed by private companies, and 4.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,367
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
888
Blue collar
479
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 888 65% -4.3%
Blue collar 479 35% -3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
77.5%
Governmental workers
4.8%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 134 9.8% 12.6%
Private companies 1,060 77.5% -6.8%
Governmental workers 65 4.8% -27.0%
Not for profit companies 108 7.9% 40.3%
Unemployment rate
13.0%
-8.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Empire stands at 13%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Empire

How people get around in Empire

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,228 95.9% -2.5%
Taxicab 29 2.3% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Empire by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95319 1,327 442 $45,400 $62,913

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FAQs about Empire demographics 

What is the total population of Empire?

Empire has a total population of 3,429 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -11.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Empire?

The gender ratio in Empire is as follows:
  • 55.3% males (1,896 residents)
  • 44.7% females (1,533 residents)

What is the median age in Empire?

The median age in Empire is 41.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Empire?

The age distribution in Empire is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (473 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (340 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.9% (1,059 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.3% (1,005 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.1% (552 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Empire?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Empire is as follows:
  • White: 47.5% (1,628 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (7 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 7.6% (261 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 28.4% (975 residents)
  • Other: 16.3% (558 residents)

What percentage of the population in Empire are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.3% of the population in Empire.

How many housing units are there in Empire?

There are 1,217 housing units in Empire, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Empire and what is the average household size?

Empire has a total of 1,093 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Empire?

Empire has a median household income of $52,563, representing a +7.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Empire?

The employment rate is 87% in Empire, with a workforce of 1,367 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65% (888 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35% (479 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (134 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.5% (1,060 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 4.8% (65 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (108 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025