[4] The town is a former mining settlement that flourished during the Colorado Silver Boom in the late 19th century.

Empire is now a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.

[3] Empire is located in north-central Clear Creek County.

West of the town of Empire is a group of high summits along the Continental Divide, including Mount Flora, Mount Eva, Parry Peak, James Peak, Colorado Mines Peak, and Mount Bancroft,[8] named for Frederick J. Bancroft who was noted for his public health and historical work for the state.

[4] This climate type is dominated by the winter season, a long, bitterly cold period with short, clear days, relatively little precipitation mostly in the form of snow, and low humidity.

39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.