Compare cities · September 2026
Credit River vs. Empire
Homes in Credit River sold for a median $955,450 over the 12 months through September 2026, 133% more than in Empire ($410,000). Homes sold faster in Empire: 40 days on market on average, against 59 in Credit River. Empire's homes are newer, with a median year built of 1997 against 1988. Credit River is closer to downtown Minneapolis: about 38 minutes by car, against 51. The two are about 13 miles apart.
Housing market, 12 months through September 2026
| Measure | Credit River | Empire |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $955,450 | $410,000 |
| Change from a year earlier | +0.6% | +13.9% |
| Homes sold | 26 | 32 |
| Days on market | 59 | 40 |
| Share of original list price | 99.4% | 99.4% |
| Price per square foot | $279 | $201 |
| New listings | 56 | 41 |
| Homes for sale (September 2026) | 17 | 4 |
| Months of supply (September 2026) | 5.7 | 1.3 |
Source: Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update (NorthstarMLS data).
The homes
| Measure | Credit River | Empire |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner estimate) | $595,000 | $469,500 |
| Median year built | 1988 | 1997 |
| Single-family homesShare of all housing units, detached houses | 100% | 98% |
| Owner-occupied homes | 98% | 94% |
| Median rent | — | $2,052 |
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024.
The place
| Measure | Credit River | Empire |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2024) | 5,589 | 3,068 |
| Land area | 23.4 sq mi | 30.5 sq mi |
| Drive to Downtown Minneapolis | 38 min | 51 min |
| Drive to Downtown Saint Paul | 39 min | 46 min |
| Drive to MSP Airport | 34 min | 41 min |
| Drive to Mall of America | 29 min | 37 min |
| Drive to University of Minnesota | 41 min | 53 min |
| Average commute to work | 24.1 min | 30.4 min |
| Lakes of 10+ acresMinnesota DNR lake outlines touching the city | 4 | 0 |
Source: US Census Bureau 2024 estimates and TIGER/Line; drive times from OpenStreetMap routing (light traffic).
Credit River
School districts: Lakeville Public School District, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Largest lakes: Cleary Lake (145 acres), Murphy Lake (45 acres), Markley Lake (16 acres), Krenz Lake (11 acres)
Empire
School districts: Farmington Public School District, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan
How we compare places: by their homes, housing market and location only, from public sources, never by who lives there. Medians describe the middle home; both places have homes well above and below them.
Quick answers
Credit River or Empire?
Is Credit River or Empire more expensive?
Credit River. The median sale price was $955,450 there and $410,000 in Empire over the 12 months through September 2026, according to the Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update. The median is the middle sale, so both have homes well above and below it.
Where do homes sell faster, Credit River or Empire?
Empire: 40 days on market on average against 59, over the 12 months through September 2026.
Which is closer to downtown Minneapolis?
Credit River, about 38 minutes by car in light traffic (51 from Empire). To downtown Saint Paul: 39 minutes from Credit River, 46 from Empire.
How far apart are Credit River and Empire?
About 13 miles in a straight line between their centers.
Which has more lakes, Credit River or Empire?
Credit River has more: 4 lakes of 10+ acres touch Credit River (largest: Cleary Lake) and 0 touch Empire, by Minnesota DNR lake outlines.
Which school districts serve Credit River and Empire?
Credit River: Lakeville Public School District and Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Empire: Farmington Public School District and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan. School district lines don't follow city lines, so check the district for a specific address before you buy.
Should I buy in Credit River or Empire?
It depends on your budget, the kind of home you want and where you need to get to each day. This page compares the homes, prices and locations; a Huerkamp Home Group agent can show you homes in both and walk you through what's selling now.
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Deciding between them?
See homes in Credit River and Empire.
A Huerkamp Home Group agent can show you homes in both, tell you what's selling and for how much right now, and help you decide. There's no cost to buyers.