Empire is a census-designated place (CDP) in Stanislaus County, California, United States.

The town served as the head of navigation for steamboats on the Tuolumne River.

In 1896, the town relocated one mile north of the river, and was renamed Empire for the Santa Fe Railroad.

It includes a small post office, a Church of the Brethren church, and the Empire Community Park with the Empire City Historic Landmark.

[2] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km2), all of it land.

[3] The 2010 United States Census[5] reported that Empire had a population of 4,189.

204 households (16.8%) were made up of individuals, and 71 (5.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 3,903 people, 1,160 households, and 881 families residing in the CDP.

20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The Empire Municipal Advisory Council is the town's council, along with the library, sheriff's office, and health center, it receives help from Stanislaus County.

In the California State Legislature, Empire is in the 5th Senate District, represented by Democrat Jerry McNerney, and in the 12th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Damon Connolly.