Empire, NV Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Empire, NV Utility & Living Guide

Living in Empire, NV offers a unique blend of rural tranquility and outdoor recreation opportunities, with the nearby Black Rock Desert and Pyramid Lake providing endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax8.265%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Empire
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Empire
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Empire?

Moving to Empire? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

NV Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Washoe County Water Utility
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.95%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Empire is relatively small, with limited inventory and a mix of older and newer homes. Rentals are scarce, and prices may be higher due to the area’s remote location. However, the scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities make it an attractive option for those seeking a rural lifestyle.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8.265%
Property Tax Rate0.95%
<p>State 6.85% + County 0.5% + City 0.965%</p>

Nevada has no state income tax, making it an attractive option for retirees and those looking to minimize their tax burden.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, agriculture, and small business entrepreneurship
Top Local Concerns
Water conservation, wildfire risk, economic development
🚌 Transit for Families

The public transit system in Empire is limited, but the area's small size and scenic views make it accessible for families with strollers, with many parks and outdoor recreational areas within walking distance.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Pyramid Lake
  • 🎯
    Black Rock Desert
  • 🎯
    Empire Elementary School playground

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area surrounding Empire Elementary School is a popular choice for families, with its proximity to the school and outdoor recreational areas. The neighborhood of Gerlach, just north of Empire, also offers a mix of older and newer homes with scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape. However, the availability of housing in these areas may be limited.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Empire based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Washoe County has regulations in place regarding zoning, land use, and environmental protection, which may impact residents and businesses in Empire.

The current financial trends in Empire, NV are driven by the tourism and outdoor recreation industries, with a growing demand for short-term rentals and vacation homes. However, the area's remote location and limited job market may pose challenges for long-term residents and businesses.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Empire — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Empire, NV tend to fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning usage and lower costs in the winter. However, the area's cold winters may also lead to increased heating costs, particularly for homes with electric heat.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 89405, which includes Empire, has a property tax millage rate of 3.307, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score: 6, The area's small size and scenic views make it accessible for families with strollers, but the lack of sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure in some areas may pose challenges. However, the many parks and outdoor recreational areas in Empire provide ample opportunities for families to get outside and enjoy the scenery with their strollers.

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.