Median Income
$120,208
60% higher than US avg
Home Value
$127,600
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
534/100K
41% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$968
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.1%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sterling City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,173
Median Age30.2 yrs
Density1,197/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$120,208
Per Capita$32,608
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$294M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,600
Rent$968
Ownership84.7%
Zillow$171,452
Housing Units363
Rent Burden40.7%
Crime
F
Violent534/100K
Property3,738/100K
Health
Obesity33.1%
Uninsured16.3%
Smoking11.2%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain20.4 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation2,286 ft (697 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+89.0%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute28 min
Broadband92.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Sterling City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sterling City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Sterling City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sterling City is $120,208, which is significantly higher than the national average / 60% above $75,149. This places Sterling City among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 0.0% 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 Sterling City is $127,600, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $968 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 534 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,738 per 100,000, 91% above the national average.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sterling City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Sterling City has a population of 1,173 with a density of 1,197 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 30.2 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (86.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 83% of residents, while 17% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 72.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.2yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sterling City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.0%
6% above US avg
Spanish
17.0%
27% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Sterling City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sterling City is $120,208, which is 60% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,608 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,422. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 111 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sterling City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $120,208 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,608 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,422 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,244 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 111 |
| County GDP | $294M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Sterling City is $127,600, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,452, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $968 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,133 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 363 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $2,650 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 40.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $127,600 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,452 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $968 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $789 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,133 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,519 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,871 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Housing Units | 363 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.08% |
In Sterling City, 33.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 16.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 69.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sterling City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.1% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.2% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.2% |
| Uninsured | 16.3% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,809/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.5% |
Sterling City has a violent crime rate of 534 per 100,000 residents, 41% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,738 per 100,000, 91% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sterling City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sterling City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 534.0/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,737.9/100K |
| 91% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sterling City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 328 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 20.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 2,286 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.6°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,286 ft (697 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,197/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.8392°N, 100.9859°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Coke County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Angelo Regional/Mathis Field (SJT) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.4"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
466 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M5.1 |
108 km |
| Sep 17, 2024 |
2024 North of Tarzan, Texas Earthquake |
M5.1 |
119 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.9 |
108 km |
| Feb 28, 2025 |
26 km SW of Ackerly, Texas |
M4.8 |
106 km |
| Feb 16, 2023 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.7 |
105 km |
| Jul 27, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.5 |
104 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.4 |
107 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
21 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M4.4 |
95 km |
| Sep 11, 2011 |
20 km NE of Snyder, Texas |
M4.3 |
114 km |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.0 |
107 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
8 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.9 |
98 km |
| Jun 6, 2022 |
18 km SE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.9 |
85 km |
| Mar 13, 2011 |
32 km WNW of Rotan, Texas |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Jul 30, 2024 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
37 km SSW of Los Ybanez, Texas |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Aug 15, 2024 |
28 km SW of Garden City, Texas |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| Jul 20, 2025 |
14 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.7 |
105 km |
| Apr 10, 2023 |
20 km NW of Stanton, Texas |
M3.7 |
101 km |
| Jul 10, 2025 |
33 km SSW of Los Ybanez, Texas |
M3.7 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
415 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 315 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF4 |
52 km |
13 |
| May 22, 2024 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2024 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1986 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1976 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1968 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1968 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1968 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1952 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2024 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2020 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GLASS (196,945 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
GLASS |
196,945 |
28 km |
| 2011 |
WILDCAT |
150,157 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
WHITE HAT |
71,857 |
63 km |
| 2006 |
COLE |
39,436 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
ROCKER B |
37,361 |
45 km |
| 2011 |
WILLIAMS |
23,912 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
DOS AMIGOS |
18,960 |
27 km |
| 2008 |
SILVER |
18,094 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
611 GAS PLANT |
14,430 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
WILDCAT |
14,034 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINO |
12,156 |
49 km |
| 2011 |
MITCHELL COUNTY COMPLEX |
11,350 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
SCOTT RANCH |
10,755 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
CLAY |
6,770 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
CHICO LANE |
6,617 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
SHEPERDS COMPLEX |
6,496 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
SNYDER COMPLEX |
5,796 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
7D |
5,402 |
37 km |
| 2020 |
7D2 |
5,253 |
36 km |
| 2015 |
HEAD OF THE RIVER RANCH |
5,205 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
47°F (9°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
53°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Sterling City has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 44°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Sterling City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $446 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $442 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $416 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling City
What is the population of Sterling City?
Sterling City has a population of 1,173 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,197 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Sterling City expensive to live in?
Sterling City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $120,208, 60% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,600 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $968 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sterling City safe?
The violent crime rate in Sterling City is 534 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 3,738 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sterling City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sterling City?
Sterling City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.4 inches, with 1.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Sterling City?
The job market in Sterling City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,422. There are 111 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sterling City?
The median home value in Sterling City is $127,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,452. For renters, the median monthly rent is $968. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,133 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,650.
How are the schools in Sterling City?
Schools in Sterling City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Sterling City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sterling City?
The obesity rate in Sterling City is 33.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 16.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Sterling City?
The average commute in Sterling City is 28 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sterling City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling City is 86.7% White. 83% of residents speak only English at home, while 17% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 72.2% have health insurance coverage.