Median Income
$110,341
47% higher than US avg
Home Value
$346,100
23% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
406/100K
7% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.3%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,095
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.7%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Sterling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,776
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density87/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans13.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$110,341
Per Capita$62,391
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$346,100
Rent$1,095
Ownership86.0%
Zillow$335,867
Housing Units3,849
Rent Burden14.5%
Crime
F
Violent406/100K
Property4,175/100K
Health
Obesity30.7%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp36°F (2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain23.1 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation256 ft (78 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.3%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute29 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Sterling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sterling receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Sterling offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sterling is $110,341, which is significantly higher than the national average / 47% above $75,149. This places Sterling among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sterling is $346,100, 23% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,095 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 406 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,175 per 100,000, 113% above the national average.
Education
31.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Sterling has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Sterling has a population of 6,776 with a density of 87 people per square mile, spread across 79.6 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 6.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 13.2% 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). 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
The median household income in Sterling is $110,341, which is 47% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $62,391 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 12.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $110,341 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $62,391 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 12.7% |
The median home value in Sterling is $346,100, 23% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,867. Monthly rent averages $1,095 (6% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,849 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $346,100 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $335,867 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,095 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.0% |
| Housing Units | 3,849 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Sterling, 30.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.7% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sterling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.7% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Sterling has a violent crime rate of 406 per 100,000 residents, 7% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,175 per 100,000, 113% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sterling receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sterling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 406.2/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,175.1/100K |
| 113% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sterling has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 269 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 23.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 256 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 35.7°F |
| 34% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 256 ft (78 m) |
| Area | 79.6 sq mi (206.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 87/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.5401°N, 150.8053°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.1"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9,491 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
112 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
135 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
140 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
94 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
78 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
148 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
148 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
97 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
84 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
64 km |
| Feb 10, 2004 |
6 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.5 |
147 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
33 km |
| Oct 17, 1996 |
70 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
127 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
127 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
120 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
119 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
145 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
116 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
44 km NW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.3 |
85 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 60.0 m (197 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1967 |
GREWINGK, AK |
Meteorological |
60.0 m |
— |
104 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
89 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
90 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (115 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
115 km |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
138 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
25 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN LAKE |
164,801 |
34 km |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
18 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
20 km |
| 1991 |
POTHOLE |
8,769 |
45 km |
| 2015 |
CARD STREET |
7,366 |
15 km |
| 2005 |
TRACY AVE |
5,416 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
47 km |
| 2001 |
KENAI LAKE |
3,319 |
75 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
SKILAK 2 |
2,365 |
22 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
26 km |
| 2014 |
TYONEK |
1,668 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
1,104 |
18 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
35°F (2°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Sterling has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 15°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.8") and April the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Sterling. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling
What is the population of Sterling?
Sterling has a population of 6,776 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 87 people per square mile, spread across 79.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Sterling expensive to live in?
Sterling has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $110,341, 47% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $346,100 (23% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,095 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sterling safe?
The violent crime rate in Sterling is 406 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,175 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sterling receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sterling?
Sterling has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Sterling?
Sterling has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 12.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling is $346,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,867. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,095. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Sterling?
Schools in Sterling have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.3% of adults in Sterling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sterling?
The obesity rate in Sterling is 30.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Sterling?
The average commute in Sterling is 29 minutes. 64.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 12.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sterling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is 91.5% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 13.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 86.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
