Median Income
$64,844
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,100
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
213/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$882
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Mount Sterling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,740
Median Age40.4 yrs
Density1,030/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,844
Per Capita$30,931
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$2,578M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,100
Rent$882
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$285,874
Housing Units862
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent213/100K
Property4,470/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.2%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation908 ft (277 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute28 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Mount Sterling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mount Sterling receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Mount Sterling offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mount Sterling is $64,844, 14% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mount Sterling is $159,100, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $882 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mount Sterling is below the national average at 213 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,470 per 100,000, 128% above the national average.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mount Sterling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches, including 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mount Sterling has a population of 1,740 with a density of 1,030 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 40.4 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 10.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.4yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mount Sterling vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mount Sterling vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mount Sterling is $64,844, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,931 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,082 business establishments, including 84 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mount Sterling vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,844 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,931 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,016 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,082 |
| County GDP | $2,578M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 84 |
| Healthcare | 97 |
| Retail | 123 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,843 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Mount Sterling is $159,100, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,874, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $882 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 862 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,843. 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,100 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $285,874 |
| Median List Price | $277,498 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $277,498 |
| $/Sq Ft | $143 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $882 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 862 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,843 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.42% |
In Mount Sterling, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,472. The dentist ratio is 1:2,401. 75.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mount Sterling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,472 |
| Dentists | 1:2,401 |
| Mental Health | 1:427 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,732/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 97 |
Mount Sterling has a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,470 per 100,000, 128% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mount Sterling receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mount Sterling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 213.2/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,469.9/100K |
| 128% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 159 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mount Sterling experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches. The area receives 18.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 908 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 908 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,030/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7133°N, 83.2735°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pickaway County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rickenbacker International (LCK)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.8"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
68 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
96 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
87 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
78 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
115 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 27, 2013 |
3 km W of Apple Grove, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Feb 17, 2023 |
6 km ESE of Cheshire, Ohio |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
460 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 50 fatalities, 1,690 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
67 km |
36 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1961 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 (1,037 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Mount Sterling has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Mount Sterling. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Sterling
What is the population of Mount Sterling?
Mount Sterling has a population of 1,740 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,030 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.4 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Mount Sterling expensive to live in?
Mount Sterling is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,844, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,100 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $882 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mount Sterling safe?
Mount Sterling is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,470 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mount Sterling receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mount Sterling?
Mount Sterling has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.8 inches, with 18.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mount Sterling?
Mount Sterling has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 1,082 business establishments in the area, including 84 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mount Sterling?
The median home value in Mount Sterling is $159,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,874. For renters, the median monthly rent is $882. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,843.
How are the schools in Mount Sterling?
Schools in Mount Sterling score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Mount Sterling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mount Sterling?
The obesity rate in Mount Sterling is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 75.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,472.
What is transportation like in Mount Sterling?
The average commute in Mount Sterling is 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mount Sterling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mount Sterling is 93.4% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
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