Sterling, IL
Illinois · Whiteside County
Sterling is a small city in Illinois with a population of 14,670. Residents earn $52,647 per year, which is 30% below the national average.
Discover Sterling, IL
Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.
How Sterling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Economy
B+Housing
A+Crime
FHealth
Climate
Education
CCommunity
Is Sterling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sterling receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. 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 $52,647, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sterling is $107,800, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sterling is below the national average at 179 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,384 per 100,000, 73% above the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sterling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches, including 31.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Population
Gender Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Sterling vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
Social Characteristics
Sterling vs U.S. Average
Income: Sterling vs U.S.
Commute Mode
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,647 |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $35,146 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,042 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,591 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,185 |
| County GDP | $2,978M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 167 |
| Manufacturing | 77 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,810 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
Walkability
Home Value Sources
Ownership Split
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,800 |
| 62% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,801 |
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $94 |
| Homes Sold | 15 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.9% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 27 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $780 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.2% |
| Housing Units | 7,350 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,810 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.46% |
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-24)
Health Metrics: Sterling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.8% |
| 49% above US avg | |
| Primary Care | 1:1,975 |
| Dentists | 1:2,376 |
| Mental Health | 1:649 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,513/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Crime Rates: Sterling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 179.2/100K |
| 53% below US avg | |
| Murder | 6.9/100K |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Rape | 89.6/100K |
| Robbery | 20.7/100K |
| Assault | 62.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,383.9/100K |
| 73% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 310.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,867.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 206.8/100K |
| Arson | 20.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Temperature
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 677 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,466/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7997°N, 89.6959°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Whiteside County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.4 in | Driest |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 2.6 in | |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 3.7 in | |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 3.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 4.4 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 38°F (3°C) | 2.7 in | |
| December | 25°F (-4°C) | 2.1 in |
Sterling has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.4").
2024 Presidential Election (County)
Winner: Republican by 14.7 points
Safety & Disasters
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Education
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 18.5% |
| 45% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.5% |
| Graduate Degree+ | 7.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.59 |
Area & Infrastructure
| RUCC Code 4 | Nonmetro / Urban 20K+, adjacent |
| Population Density | 2,466/sq mi |
| Total Area | 5.9 sq mi |
| County | Whiteside County County |
Services
| Broadband Access | 82.3% |
| Avg Download Speed | 80.0 Mbps |
| Avg Upload Speed | 8.1 Mbps |
| Max Download Speed | 1,000 Mbps |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 4 |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Retail Stores | 167 |
Commute & Transportation
| Avg Commute | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) | $250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit | $350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit | $200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit | $2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning | $130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling | $250 ($150–$400) |
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) | $45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) | $75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement | $300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation | $40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) | $600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement | $200 ($100–$350) |
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) | $100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) | $90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair | $400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install | $7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair | $1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement | $9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) | $1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) | $15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense | $5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) | $1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation | $500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation | $2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut | $25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut | $55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) | $150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure | $25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure | $40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) | $80 ($50–$130) |
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) | $4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) | $3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread | $3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) | $4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) | $5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) | $1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) | $140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) | $70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) | $70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) | $70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) | $65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) | $85 ($50–$150) |
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) | $200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) | $2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) | $70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) | $15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) | $100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal | $30 ($15–$75) |
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) | $1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) | $1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) | $400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) | $50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course | $1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) | $12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) | $60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) | $100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming | $60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) | $40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter | $200 ($100–$400) |
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) | |
| Infant | $1,023 |
| Toddler | $908 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) | |
| Infant | $696 |
| Toddler | $726 |
| Preschool | $700 |
Top Industries in Whiteside County
Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).
| Industry | Jobs | Establishments | Avg Annual Pay | Location Quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 3,442 | 80 | $69,631 | 1.98 |
| Retail Trade | 2,531 | 166 | $34,326 | 1.20 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | 2,232 | 103 | $66,986 | 0.73 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 1,848 | 132 | $18,758 | 0.96 |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1,442 | 48 | $56,796 | 1.61 |
| Professional & Technical Services | 903 | 59 | $63,376 | 0.61 |
| Construction | 838 | 106 | $73,187 | 0.75 |
| Wholesale Trade | 636 | 71 | $70,511 | 0.76 |
| Finance & Insurance | 577 | 66 | $66,584 | 0.67 |
| Other Services | 448 | 91 | $34,609 | 0.70 |
| Educational Services | 320 | 12 | $31,738 | 0.73 |
| Arts & Entertainment | 219 | 25 | $18,149 | 0.61 |
| Information & Technology | 62 | 10 | $55,622 | 0.16 |
| Real Estate | 62 | 25 | $42,621 | 0.19 |
| Utilities | 42 | 4 | $106,696 | 0.52 |
| Unclassified | 2 | 1 | $58,325 | 0.07 |
Colleges & Universities in Sterling
| Institution | Type | Enrollment | Acceptance | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling | Private For-Profit · Certificate | 60 | — | — | — |
Hospitals in Sterling
| Hospital | Type | CMS Rating | Emergency | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGH MEDICAL CENTER | Acute Care Hospitals | 2/5 | Yes | (815) 625-0400 |
Schools in Sterling
6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling High School | High | 1,049 | 55 | 19.1:1 |
| Challand Middle School | Middle | 710 | 45 | 15.8:1 |
| Franklin Elem School | Elementary | 414 | 27 | 15.3:1 |
| Jefferson Elem School | Elementary | 401 | 28 | 14.3:1 |
| Lincoln Elem School | Elementary | 350 | 22 | 15.9:1 |
| Washington Elem School | Elementary | 340 | 28 | 12.1:1 |
Radio Stations near Sterling
64 stations within ~55 km.
| Station | Genre | Quality | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRUW Cleveland 91.1 FM Case Western U. | alternative, college radio | AAC+ 42 kbps | |
| Ambient Sleeping Pill | 128 kbps mp3 | — | MP3 128 kbps | |
| 24/7 Polka Heaven | polka | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WTAM 1100 - Cleveland, Ohio | local news, local talk | AAC | |
| WKSU News Channel (HD4) [aac+] | bbc, npr | AAC 64 kbps | |
| 107.3 Alternative - Cleveland, Ohio | alternative rock, rock | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| Yes.fm Worship | christian | AAC+ 32 kbps | |
| I Hate Free Speech | — | MP3 128 kbps | |
| Outworld Fleet Radio | explicit, fandom | MP3 128 kbps | |
| 101.3 WKRD - Rockford's Best Mix | 00s, 70s | AAC+ 32 kbps | |
| WLW - 700 AM - Cincinnati, OH | news, right winger | AAC 22 kbps | |
| Folk Alley Irish Music | 128 kbps, irish folk | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WSWO-LP 97.3 | oldies | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WINT 1330 & 105.1 - Willoughby, Ohio | local talk, news talk | MP3 64 kbps | |
| WYSO 91.3 Yellow Springs, OH | bbc, npr | MP3 128 kbps | |
| Spin Cycle - Mixing and Remixing The Hits 24/7 | — | AAC | |
| WCPN 90.3 "Ideastream" Cleveland, OH | cleveland, jazz | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WSTB 88.9 The AlterNation, Streetsboro | alternative / indie, alternative rock | MP3 128 kbps | |
| Yes.fm (Toledo,oh) 89.7 | christian, hip-hop | AAC+ 32 kbps | |
| Folk Alley | 128 kbps, irish folk | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WJCU 88.7 John Carroll University - University Heights, OH (AAC) | cleveland, university heights | AAC+ 128 kbps | |
| The Fan 97.1 WBNS-FM Sports Radio | — | MP3 128 kbps | |
| Apostolic Christian Friendship Radio | bible, choir | MP3 | |
| WCBE 90.5 Columbus, OH | npr, public radio | MP3 96 kbps | |
| WJCU 88.7 John Carroll University - University Heights, OH (MP3) | cleveland, university heights | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WNIR 100.1 Kent, OH | akron, kent | AAC+ 32 kbps | |
| WBBW "Sports Radio 1240" Youngstown, OH | cbs sports radio, sport | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| RadioGPT | — | AAC 128 kbps | |
| WAPS 91.3 "The Summit" Akron, OH | adult album alternative, akron | MP3 96 kbps | |
| WINT 1330 & 101.5 - Willoughby, Ohio | local talk, news talk | MP3 64 kbps | |
| WPIC "News Talk 790" Sharon, PA | news talk, sharon | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WZNP 89.3 "The River" Newark, OH | christian, christian contemporary | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WKNR 850 Cleveland | espn, sports news | MP3 96 kbps | |
| WQGR FM (Gold 93.7) | — | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WFGF 92.1 "The Frog" Wapakoneta, OH | country, lima | MP3 | |
| WQQO "Q105.5" Sylvania, OH | hot adult contemporary, sylvania | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WMMX Mix 107.7 | adult contemporary | AAC 24 kbps | |
| WHOT 101.1 "Hot 101" Youngstown, OH | contemporary hits, top 40 | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WYSU 88.5 All Classical | classical | MP3 128 kbps | |
| TruBlues975 WDIF-LP | blues, community radio | AAC+ 96 kbps | |
| WRQN 93.5 Bowling Green, OH | bowling green, classic hits | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WXKR "94.5 XKR" Port Clinton, OH | classic rock, port clinton | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| Kickin Country 104.9 | — | AAC+ 32 kbps | |
| WGUC-HD2 Jazz Stream - Cincinatti, OH | cincinatti, jazz | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WDOH "Fun 107.1" Delphos, OH | classic hits, delphos | MP3 | |
| 100.7 WMMS - Cleveland, Ohio | alternative rock, hard rock | AAC | |
| WGUC Cincinnati Classical Music Radio | — | MP3 320 kbps | |
| Folk Alley Classic | 128 kbps, classic folk | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WQXK 105.1 "K 105" Salem, OH | country, salem | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WKSU Classical | classical music | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WKKY 104.7 Geneva, OH | ashtabula county, commercial | AAC+ 64 kbps | |
| WQQO-HD2 "Talk 100.7 Radio" Sylvania, OH | sylvania, talk radio | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| WCLV Cleveland Classical | — | MP3 128 kbps | |
| Folk Alley Classic Folk | 128 kbps, classic folk | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WGUC "Classical 90.9" Cincinatti, OH | cincinatti, classical | MP3 320 kbps | |
| WKKO 99.9 "K 100" Toledo, OH | country, toledo | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| 97.9 WNCI | — | AAC | |
| WMKV 89.3 FM Reading, OH | adult standards, big band | AAC+ 48 kbps | |
| X Music Online | christian, christian hit | AAC 32 kbps | |
| Stillwater NOAA Weather radio | — | MP3 32 kbps | |
| WGTE-FM | npr, public radio | MP3 128 kbps | |
| WPFX 107.7 "The Wolf" Luckey, OH | country, luckey | AAC+ 64 kbps | |
| WEGE 104.9 "The Eagle" Lima, OH | classic rock, lima | MP3 | |
| 97.5 WONE Akron's Home of Rock & Roll | classic rock, rock | AAC+ 48 kbps |
Campgrounds Near Sterling
2 campgrounds found near Sterling.
| Name | Rating | Sites | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area | 4.8/5 | 1 | $14 |
| THOMSON CAUSEWAY | 4.6/5 | 128 | $14–$26 |
National Parks Near Sterling
18 national parks and monuments found near Sterling.
| Park | Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue State Park | State Park | Free |
| Belmont Mound State Park | State Park | Free |
| Bishop Hill Park | State Park | Free |
| Buffalo Rock State Park | State Park | Free |
| Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area | State Park | Free |
| Castle Rock State Park | State Park | Free |
| Clover Valley State Habitat Area - Pr | State Park | Free |
| Fox River | State Park | Free |
| Illini State Park | State Park | Free |
| Lowden State Park | State Park | Free |
| Matthiessen State Park | State Park | Free |
| Mound View State Trail | State Park | Free |
| New Glarus Woods State Park | State Park | Free |
| Pecatonica State Trail | State Park | Free |
| Rock Cut State Park | State Park | Free |
| Sugar River State Trail | State Park | Free |
| Whitewater State Park | State Park | Free |
| Yellowstone Lake State Park | State Park | Free |
Historical Trends — Sterling
Population and economic data over time (US Census / ACS estimates).
Population
Median Household Income
| Year | Population | Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15,098 | $39,609 |
| 2015 | 14,977 | $39,679 |
| 2017 | 14,718 | $43,171 |
| 2019 | 14,468 | $43,685 |
| 2021 | 14,750 | $47,778 |
| 2023 | 14,526 | $52,647 |
Museums in Sterling
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DILLON HOME MUSEUM | GENERAL MUSEUM | 8156226202 | $215,890 | |
| STERLING PARK DISTRICT | GENERAL MUSEUM | 8156226202 | $215,890 | |
| STERLING-ROCK FALLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 1005 E THIRD STREET | 8156226215 | $165,013 |
| NEXT PICTURE SHOW | ART MUSEUM | 8152854924 | $138,931 | |
| RONALD REAGAN HOME | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 8152885176 | $89,395 | |
| POLO HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 8159463544 | $17,861 | |
| ART GALLERY | ART MUSEUM | |||
| BUFFALO CREEK VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 5404632330 | ||
| DIXON HISTORIC CENTER | GENERAL MUSEUM | 205 WEST 5TH STREET | 8152885508 | |
| JOHN DEERE HOME & FARM HERITAGE MUSEUM | HISTORY MUSEUM | |||
| LEE COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 111 SOUTH HENNEPIN AVENUE | 8152886702 | |
| LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 111-113 S HENNEPIN AVE | 8152886702 | |
| LOVELAND COMMUNITY HOUSE | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 8152842741 | ||
| PROPHETSTOWN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 8155372818 | ||
| TAMPICO HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION | 119 MAIN STREET P O BOX 154 | 8154387581 | |
| WESTWOOD SPORTS CENTER | GENERAL MUSEUM | 8156226201 |
Libraries in Sterling
| Name | Address | Staff | Annual Visits | Circulation | Collection | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STERLING PUBLIC LIBRARY | 102 WEST THIRD STREET | 0.0 | 104,694 | |||
| DIXON PUBLIC LIBRARY | 221 SOUTH HENNEPIN AVENUE | 0.0 | 63,105 | |||
| ROCK FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT | 1007 SEVENTH AVENUE | 0.0 | 55,812 | |||
| POLO PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT | 302 WEST MASON STREET | 0.0 | 14,050 | |||
| WALNUT PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT | 101 HEATON STREET | 0.0 | 9,200 | |||
| HENRY C. ADAMS MEMORIAL LIBRARY | 209 WEST THIRD STREET | 0.0 | 9,000 | |||
| OHIO PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT | 112 NORTH MAIN STREET | 0.0 | 3,500 | |||
| CHADWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT | 110 MAIN STREET | 0.0 | 3,196 | |||
| WYSOX TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY | 18 WEST FIFTH STREET | 0.0 | 2,802 |
Farmers Markets in Sterling
| Name | Address | Season | Hours | Organic | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dixon Park District Farmers Market | 317 W. Third St. | May to October | Wed:7:00 AM - 12:00 PM;Sat:7:00 AM - 12:00 PM; | Visit | |
| Rock Falls Farmer marke | 400 W 2nd Street between 4th & 5 Ave | ||||
| Twin City Farmers Market | 106 Avenue A | 01/04/2014 to 12/01/2014 | Sat: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM; | Visit |
Restaurants in Sterling
3 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Cinemas in Sterling
1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Theatres in Sterling
1 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Clinics in Sterling
2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Gas Stations in Sterling
5 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Banks in Sterling
5 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Nursing Homes in Sterling
3 nursing homes and rehabilitation centers (CMS data).
| Facility | Ownership | Beds | Residents | Overall | Health | Staffing | Quality | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGENCY CARE OF STERLING 612 WEST ST MARY'S STREET |
For profit - Partnership | 130 | 83 | 5/5 | — | 4/5 | 5/5 | 8156269020 |
| ROCK RIVER GARDENS 3601 SIXTEENTH AVENUE |
For profit - Corporation | 70 | 61 | 5/5 | — | 2/5 | 5/5 | 8156260233 |
| STERLING PAVILION 105 EAST 23RD STREET |
For profit - Partnership | 121 | 75 | 1/5 | — | 3/5 | 2/5 | 8156264264 |
Pharmacies in Sterling
5 pharmacies and drugstores.
| Pharmacy | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| CVS - 8663 | 2301 NORTH LOCUST STREET | 815-626-9031 |
| KMART | 2901 EAST LINCOLNWAY | 815-626-5862 |
| THE MEDICINE SHOPPE PHARMACY | 4 WEST 3RD STREET | 815-622-5000 |
| WAL-MART SUPERCENTER - 891 | 4115 EAST LINCOLNWAY | 815-626-7703 |
| WALGREENS - 3559 | 2506 EAST LINCOLNWAY | 815-626-4920 |
Cell Towers in Sterling
| Address | Structure Type | Height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 MILES SOUTH OF IL ROUTE 92 1600 EAST (53294) | GTOWER | 106 |
| 1/8 MILES SOUTH OF IL ROUTE 92 1600 EAST (53294) | GTOWER | 106 |
| (Rock Falls) 4000 LINCOLN WAY | GTOWER | 91 |
| (Rock Falls) 4000 LINCOLN WAY | GTOWER | 91 |
| (DT Rock Falls site) 121 Wallace Street | TOWER | 51 |
| (DT Rock Falls site) 121 Wallace Street | TOWER | 51 |
Fire Stations in Sterling
| Name | Address | Type | Active Firefighters | Volunteers | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Fire Department | 110 W 5th ST | Mostly career | 815-632-6680 |
Bridges in Sterling
| Location | Type | Kind | Year Built | Length (ft) | Daily Traffic | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culvert | Concrete | 1987 | 26 | 11,100 | G | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel continuous | 1963 | 521 | 7,700 | G | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel continuous | 1963 | 468 | 7,700 | G | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel continuous | 2012 | 222 | 3,400 | F | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel continuous | 1958 | 230 | 2,300 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1995 | 47 | 1,975 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1992 | 30 | 1,850 | F | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel continuous | 1999 | 137 | 1,800 | F | |
| Slab | Concrete | 1953 | 33 | 1,800 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1999 | 26 | 1,800 | G | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1979 | 22 | 1,550 | G | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1982 | 26 | 950 | F | |
| Slab | Concrete continuous | 1965 | 100 | 900 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1965 | 22 | 800 | F | |
| Slab | Concrete continuous | 1967 | 105 | 675 | F | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel continuous | 1964 | 100 | 600 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete continuous | 1958 | 24 | 350 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1966 | 26 | 350 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1962 | 34 | 275 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1969 | 39 | 225 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 1981 | 22 | 150 | G | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel | 1961 | 192 | 125 | F | |
| Channel Beam | Concrete | 1997 | 37 | 125 | F | |
| Culvert | Steel | 1983 | 33 | 125 | F | |
| Box Beam (Multiple) | Prestressed concrete | 1980 | 40 | 75 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete continuous | 1958 | 28 | 50 | F | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel | 1966 | 44 | 50 | F | |
| Culvert | Concrete | 2004 | 26 | 50 | G | |
| Stringer/Multi-beam | Steel | 1956 | 94 | 50 | F |
Superfund Sites Near Sterling
1 EPA Superfund sites (hazardous waste cleanup locations).
| Site | Address | County |
|---|---|---|
| INVENERGY NELSON LLC | 1311 NELSON RD | LEE COUNTY |
Airports Near Sterling
50 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Rockford International Airport | RFD | Medium Airport |
| 7th Heaven Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Albertus Airport | FEP | Small Airport |
| B & C Airport | — | Small Airport |
| BAKER'S ACRES AIRSTRIP | — | Small Airport |
| Beloit Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Black Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Blackhawk Farms Inc Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Block Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Bresson Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Bud Pierce Memorial Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Cady Aerial Restricted Landing Area | — | Small Airport |
| Carlson Restricted Landing Area | — | Small Airport |
| Chester Wyss Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Clinton Municipal Airport | CWI | Small Airport |
| Cloverleaf Ranch Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Cottonwood Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Darrington Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Delhotal Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Dixon Municipal Charles R. Walgreen Field | — | Small Airport |
| Doering's Port Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Dunn Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Durin RLA Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Earl Barnickel Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Earlville Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Early-Merkel Field | — | Small Airport |
| Ebert Field | — | Small Airport |
| Edgar Read Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Edwin G. Bennett Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Ellis Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Erie Air Park | — | Small Airport |
| Fisch RLA Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Flaherty Field | — | Small Airport |
| Flying Z Ranch Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Foley Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Foote Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Foster Field | — | Small Airport |
| Foxfield Aerodrome | — | Small Airport |
| Frank's Flying Service Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Freeport/Dornink Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Gehant Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Geldean Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Gen-Airpark | — | Small Airport |
| Gentry Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Gerbick Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Giggity Acres Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Gittleson Farms Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Grandpas' Farm Mendota Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Hammer Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Harry D Fenton Airport | — | Small Airport |
Police Stations in Sterling
5 police stations.
| Station | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Dixon Police Department | ||
| Illinois State Police Troop 1 - Sterling Post | 3107 East Lincolnway | |
| Lee County Law Enforcement Center | 240 East Progress Drive | |
| Polo Police Department | ||
| Sterling Police Department |
Grocery Stores in Sterling
18 grocery stores.
| Store | Type | Address |
|---|---|---|
| ALDI 68011 68011 | Supermarket | 3409 E Lincolnway |
| Circle K 4701436 | Convenience Store | 2210 Locust St |
| County Market 348 | Super Store | 210 W 3rd St |
| CVS 8663 | Other | 2301 N Locust |
| DOLLAR GENERAL 3558 | Other | 1106 W 4th St |
| Dollar General 30796 | Other | 2603 Locust St |
| Dollar General 31260 | Other | 2214 E 4th St |
| Dollar Tree 6883 | Other | 301 Avenue G |
| El Vaquero Western Wear | Grocery Store | 1219 W 4th St |
| Express Lane Gas & Food Mart 18 | Convenience Store | 2402 E Lincolnway |
| Express Lane Gas & Food Mart 6 | Convenience Store | 1801 Locust St |
| KROGER J-953 | Super Store | 2301 Locust St |
| La Laguna Market Inc. | Grocery Store | 301 Avenue G |
| Sterling Food Mart | Convenience Store | 2218 E Lincolnway |
| Stop & Save Il | Convenience Store | 602 Locust St |
| The Butcher Shop | Specialty Store | 3606 E Lincolnway |
| Twin City Farmers Market | Farmers and Markets | 106 Avenue A |
| WALGREENS 3559 | Other | 2506 E Lincolnway |
Treatment Centers in Sterling
3 treatment centers.
| Center | Type | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital - Behavioral Healthcare | Mental Health | 815-288-5531 |
| LSSI - Sterling Counseling Center | Substance Abuse | 833-610-5774 |
| Sinnissippi Centers Inc | Both | 815-625-0013 |
DOL Wage Violations in Sterling
7 employers with DOL wage violations totaling $609,187 in back wages owed to 326 employees.
| Employer | Severity | Parent Company | ZIP | Industry | Cases | Back Wages | Per Employee | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SELF HELP ENTERPRISES | MAJOR | — | 61081 | — | 1 | $573,837 | $2,669 | 215 |
| CGH MEDICAL CENTER | — | — | 61081 | General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 2 | $23,951 | $1,996 | 12 |
| ROCK RIVER VALLEY SELF HELP ENTERPRISES, INC | — | — | 61081 | Vocational Rehabilitation Services | 1 | $8,228 | $88 | 93 |
| Castor Home Nursing | — | — | 61081 | — | 1 | $1,659 | $1,659 | 1 |
| Wilvar General Contracting | — | — | 61081 | — | 1 | $826 | $413 | 2 |
| Twin City Travel | — | — | 61081 | — | 1 | $541 | $271 | 2 |
| Arthur's Garden Deli | — | — | 61081 | — | 1 | $145 | $145 | 1 |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Sterling
25 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ABIDING WORD CHURCH INC | PO BOX 954 |
| BETHEL REFORMED CHURCH | 230 E 23RD ST |
| CHRIST CHURCH STERLING | PO BOX 411 |
| EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH | 1904 18TH AVE |
| FIREHOUSE OF GOD MINISTRIES | 306 5TH AVE |
| FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH | 1705 6TH AVE |
| FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH | 3400 6TH AVE |
| FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF JORDON | 20314 HICKORY HILLS RD |
| FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | 501 BROADWAY AVE |
| GRACE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH | 1510 E 25TH ST |
| IGLESIA PENTECOSTES CRISTO LA ROCA | 907 W 13TH ST |
| LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN CENTER OF ILLINOIS INC | 1013 E 13TH ST |
| MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH | 1601 AVENUE F |
| NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH | 702 W LYNN BLVD |
| ONEIGHTY CHURCH | 12950 LAWRENCE RD |
| OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH | 21496 HAZEL RD |
| SACRED HEART CHURCH | 2224 AVE J |
| SAUK VALLEY GROUP CHURCH | 1308 E 15TH ST |
| SILVERCITY LIGHTHOUSE | 1202 DILLON AVE |
| SIXTEENTH AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST | 1902 16TH AVE |
Explore Near Sterling
Download Full City Report
Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Sterling.
Get ReportFrequently Asked Questions About Sterling
What is the population of Sterling?
Sterling has a population of 14,670 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,466 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Sterling expensive to live in?
Sterling has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,647, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,800 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sterling safe?
Sterling is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,384 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 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches, with 31.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sterling?
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 $1,042. There are 1,185 business establishments in the area, including 132 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling is $107,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,801. For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,810.
How are the schools in Sterling?
Schools in Sterling score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Sterling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sterling?
The obesity rate in Sterling is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 12.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,975.
What is transportation like in Sterling?
The average commute in Sterling is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sterling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is 79.4% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 86.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.2% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries























































































































































































































































