Median Income
$44,242
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$205,200
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
788/100K
107% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,052
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.2%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Sterling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population13,273
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density1,742/mi²
Male / Female56% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,242
Per Capita$23,613
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$1,419M
Commute13 min
Housing
A
Home Value$205,200
Rent$1,052
Ownership59.0%
Zillow$240,721
Housing Units5,461
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent788/100K
Property3,404/100K
Murder7.4/100K
Assault486/100K
Burglary729/100K
Health
Obesity31.2%
Uninsured16.3%
Smoking17.8%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain15.2 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation3,933 ft (1,199 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+86.0%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute13 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Sterling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sterling receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sterling has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sterling is $44,242, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sterling is $205,200, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,052 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 788 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,404 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sterling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sterling has a population of 13,273 with a density of 1,742 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.5% female and 55.5% male. The city is predominantly White (79.3%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.8% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.8%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
The median household income in Sterling is $44,242, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,613 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 656 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,242 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,613 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,187 |
| Gini Index | 0.418 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 656 |
| County GDP | $1,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 86 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 3.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Sterling is $205,200, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,721, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,052 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,461 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $2,204 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $205,200 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,721 |
| Median List Price | $239,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $239,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $171 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.9% |
| Price Drops | 23.2% |
| Inventory | 56 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,052 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,207 |
| Rent Burden | 27.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.0% |
| Housing Units | 5,461 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.07% |
In Sterling, 31.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 16.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,535. The dentist ratio is 1:1,602. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sterling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.2% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 16.3% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,535 |
| Dentists | 1:1,602 |
| Mental Health | 1:282 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Sterling has a violent crime rate of 788 per 100,000 residents, 107% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 486.3 per 100,000, robbery at 36.8, rape at 257.9. The murder rate is 7.4 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,404 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,534, burglary at 729, vehicle theft at 140 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 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 | 788.3/100K |
| 107% above US avg |
| Murder | 7.4/100K |
| 17% above US avg |
| Rape | 257.9/100K |
| Robbery | 36.8/100K |
| Assault | 486.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,403.8/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
| Burglary | 729.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,534.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 140.0/100K |
| Arson | 51.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 58 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sterling experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 316 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 15.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 3,933 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,933 ft (1,199 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,742/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6205°N, 103.1926°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Logan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Colorado Plains Regional (AKO) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.2"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Mar 30, 2019.
| Jun 1, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Kersey, Colorado |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Mar 30, 2019 |
7 km NE of Greeley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Eaton, Colorado |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Jun 23, 2014 |
6 km NNE of Kersey, Colorado |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
689 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 32 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2000 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1975 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1974 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1960 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2024 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 2019 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1996 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1996 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOGAN (30,076 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LOGAN |
30,076 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
55 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
5,258 |
69 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,760 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
BIJOU |
3,485 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,275 |
12 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,261 |
50 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,134 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
83 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,782 |
62 km |
| 2024 |
104 |
1,745 |
48 km |
| 1994 |
STABLE |
1,706 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
SHAMROCK |
1,582 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,337 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
KEOTA |
1,146 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,099 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
I 76 |
1,033 |
6 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
Sterling has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 27°F in December to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.0") and February the driest (0.3").
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) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $719 |
| Toddler | $680 |
| Preschool | $680 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $589 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $589 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling
What is the population of Sterling?
Sterling has a population of 13,273 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,742 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
Is Sterling expensive to live in?
Sterling has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $44,242, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $205,200 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,052 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sterling safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sterling, with a violent crime rate of 788 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,404 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sterling?
Sterling has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 656 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling is $205,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,721. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,052. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,204.
How are the schools in Sterling?
Schools in Sterling score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Sterling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sterling?
The obesity rate in Sterling is 31.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 16.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,535.
What is transportation like in Sterling?
The average commute in Sterling is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, 3.4% use public transit, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sterling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is 79.3% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 91.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.