Cost of Living in Empire, CA
Population 3,867 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Empire sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 13.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 5 miles east of Modesto, Empire falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Modesto's $416,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Empire
The median home value in Empire is $306,700 — 1% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,106/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,990/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 75.9°F and lows of 50.3°F. Overall, Empire has a cost of living index of 94 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% less expensive.
Empire has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 82 | 90 | 95 | 94 | 89 | 79 | 66 | 56 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 45 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 59 | 52 | 43 | 39 |
| Precip" | 2.57 | 2.22 | 1.78 | 1.00 | 0.65 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.06 | 0.55 | 1.07 | 2.21 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Empire, CA?
Empire has a cost index of 94 (100 = national average). It is 6% below the national average.
What is average rent in Empire, CA?
The median gross rent in Empire is $1,106 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Empire?
The median home value in Empire is $306,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Empire?
The median household income in Empire is $48,990 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Empire, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Empire is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Empire, CA affordable?
Empire is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 94 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Empire?
Empire has average high temperatures of 75.9°F and average lows of 50.3°F. Annual precipitation is 12.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Empire at a Glance
- Population
- 3,867
- Median Income
- $48,990
- Home Value
- $306,700
- Median Rent
- $1,106/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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