Median Income
$74,359
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,414/100K
272% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$828
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Sterling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,849
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density430/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$74,359
Per Capita$26,688
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$6,274M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Rent$828
Ownership70.5%
Zillow$272,359
Housing Units802
Rent Burden12.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,414/100K
Property7,554/100K
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured13.8%
Smoking13.3%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain50.3 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation16 ft (5 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 37%
Commute20 min
Broadband75.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Sterling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sterling receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured 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 $74,359, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $828 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 1,414 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 7,554 per 100,000, 285% above the national average.
Education
20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sterling enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Sterling has a population of 1,849 with a density of 430 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.8% female and 59.2% male. The city is predominantly White (67%), with 27.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.8% of residents, while 14.2% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 70.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.8%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.2%
6% above US avg
The median household income in Sterling is $74,359, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,688 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,038, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,330 business establishments, including 310 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,359 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,688 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,038 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,404 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,330 |
| County GDP | $6,274M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 310 |
| Healthcare | 285 |
| Retail | 450 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,468 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,359. Monthly rent averages $828 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 802 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $5,468 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 12.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $828 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.5% |
| Housing Units | 802 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,468 |
| 56% above US avg |
In Sterling, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 19.8% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 13.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,926. The dentist ratio is 1:1,891. 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sterling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,926 |
| Dentists | 1:1,891 |
| Mental Health | 1:620 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,817/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 285 |
Sterling has a violent crime rate of 1,414 per 100,000 residents, 272% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,554 per 100,000, 285% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 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 | 1,414.0/100K |
| 272% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,554.1/100K |
| 285% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sterling enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 306 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 50.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 16 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.5°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 16 ft (5 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 430/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.2622°N, 81.5531°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Glynn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wright Army Air Field (Fort Stewart)/Midcoast Regional (LIY)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.3"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.89"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0394 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.9 on Jun 18, 2022.
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
19 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
166 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
125 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
244 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
179 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
243 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
281 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
238 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
104 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 3 |
171 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
241 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 211 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2018 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
67 km |
4 |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 23, 1980 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
82 km |
2 |
| May 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1973 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) (215,381 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
GA-19 (SAW FLY RD) |
19,730 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
75 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
12,186 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
BAY CREEK |
11,917 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,963 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,163 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
RACEPOND |
7,951 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
GA-2 |
7,319 |
83 km |
| 2001 |
CRAVENS IS |
6,412 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
NO.1WILD |
5,355 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
5,150 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
5.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Sterling has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 53°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.9") and November the driest (2.5").
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) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $619 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $553 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $485 |
| Preschool | $489 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling
What is the population of Sterling?
Sterling has a population of 1,849 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 430 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.8% female and 59.2% male.
Is Sterling expensive to live in?
Sterling has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $74,359, 1% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $828 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Sterling safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sterling, with a violent crime rate of 1,414 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 7,554 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Sterling?
Sterling has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,038. There are 3,330 business establishments in the area, including 310 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 20.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sterling?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $828. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,468.
How are the schools in Sterling?
Schools in Sterling score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.3% of adults in Sterling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sterling?
The obesity rate in Sterling is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 13.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,926.
What is transportation like in Sterling?
The average commute in Sterling is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sterling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is 67% White, 27.4% Black or African American. 85.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.2% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 70.0% have health insurance coverage.
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