Interestingly, Empire was once just a township. Now it stands as a city in Dakota County. Empire is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Today we will explore Empire. We will learn about its history and unique features. This area holds more stories than you might expect.
Empire Township was established in 1858. It was named after New York. New York is known as the Empire State. The name reflects aspirations of growth.
But hold on why did Empire transform from a township into a city? On February 14 2023 the township voted to become a city. The incorporation took effect on February 28. Local officials were elected. The city wanted to protect its borders. The nearby cities were growing rapidly. Lakeville, Rosemount, and Farmington might annex new developments. Empire wanted to maintain its identity.
Consider the geography of Empire. It covers 33.8 square miles all land. No water is within the city limits. This makes land use important for Empire’s development.
Now let’s consider the population. The 2020 census recorded 3177 residents. The population density is 94 people per square mile. This gives Empire a spacious feel. In 2000 there were 1638 people. That is a significant increase in two decades. The city is growing.
As of 2000, many families called Empire home. About 49.7% of households had children under 18. Married couples lived together in 73.2% of households. The average household size was 3.17 people.
Empire’s population is diverse. In 2000 the racial makeup was 96.58% White. About 1.89% were Asian. Around 0.18% were African American.
The financial statistics of Empire are also interesting. The median household income was $68500. The per capita income was $21802. About 6.6% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Empire has come a long way from its township days. It is a growing city. The residents value their community. Its location in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area offers many opportunities. Empire balances growth with preserving its unique character. As we explore Empire remember its rich past and promising future.