Nebraska
Sterling is a small town in Nebraska with a population of 685. Residents earn $72,083 per year, which is 4% below the national average.
Based on current data, Sterling receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Sterling stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Sterling is $72,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Sterling is $120,700, 57% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $793 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Sterling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches, including 22.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $72,083 |
| 4% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,840 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,430 |
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 131 |
| County GDP | $253M |
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.20% |
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
| Census Median | $120,700 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $793 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.20% |
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 18.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,995/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 32.3 inches |
| 15% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 22.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,202 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,713/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4612°N, 96.3775°W |
| County FIPS | 31097 |
Winner: Republican by 40.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.6% |
| 21% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 94.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.81 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,713/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.4 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Retail Stores | 21 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Commute | 27.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |