Denver metro, CO relocation guide
Moving to Empire, CO
About Empire
Empire (population 345 in 2020) is a small Clear Creek County town about 40 miles west of downtown Denver on US-40, at the eastern base of Berthoud Pass. Founded in 1860 as a mining camp, it is today a quiet mountain community of historic cabins and homes along Clear Creek — the jumping-off point for Berthoud Pass skiing, backcountry access, and the Empire–Winter Park corridor. The town sits at about 8,600 feet.
Home prices in Empire
The median list in Empire is $599,000.
Top places in Empire
- Berthoud Pass — backcountry skiing and the Continental Divide at the town's doorstep (historic views shown in the Commons photos below).
- Clear Creek through the town.
- The town's historic 1860s cabins and Main Street.
- Nearby Georgetown and the Georgetown Loop (east).
- Winter Park resort access (over the pass).
Commuting from Empire
- Approximate drive to downtown Denver: ~45–60 minutes (approximate; via I-70/US-40; longer with traffic or winter weather).
- No transit; mountain driving required.
Schools in Empire
Public schools: Clear Creek School District RE-1. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Empire FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Empire, CO?
The median list in Empire is $599,000. Median listing price · Sep 2026 - How is the commute from Empire, CO?
Approximate drive to downtown Denver: ~45–60 minutes (approximate; via I-70/US-40; longer with traffic or winter weather). - Which school district serves Empire, CO?
Empire is served by Clear Creek School District RE-1. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.