Median Income
$72,083
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,700
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,075/100K
183% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.6%
21% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$793
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Sterling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population685
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density1,713/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,083
Per Capita$30,840
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$253M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,700
Rent$793
Ownership77.5%
Zillow$337,328
Housing Units276
Rent Burden18.9%
Crime
F
Violent1,075/100K
Property3,349/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking13.6%
Depression18.1%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,202 ft (366 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.6%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+12.1%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute28 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Sterling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sterling receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. 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 $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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
With 1,075 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 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
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 6/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches, including 22.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Sterling has a population of 685 with a density of 1,713 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Sterling is $72,083, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,840 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 131 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,083 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,840 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 131 |
| County GDP | $253M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Sterling is $120,700, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $337,328, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $793 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 276 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $2,650 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,700 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $337,328 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $793 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.5% |
| Housing Units | 276 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.20% |
In Sterling, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 18.1% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,316. The dentist ratio is 1:5,287. 57.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sterling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 18.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,316 |
| Dentists | 1:5,287 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,198 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,995/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Sterling has a violent crime rate of 1,075 per 100,000 residents, 183% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 1,075.1/100K |
| 183% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,349.3/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 275 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 32.3 inches. The area receives 22.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,202 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,202 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,713/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4612°N, 96.3775°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.3"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
73 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
41 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
628 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 450 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,819 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Sterling has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling
What is the population of Sterling?
Sterling has a population of 685 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,713 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Sterling expensive to live in?
Sterling is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,083, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,700 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $793 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, 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 1,075 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 3,349 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 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.3 inches, with 22.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
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 $1,043. There are 131 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling is $120,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $337,328. For renters, the median monthly rent is $793. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,650.
How are the schools in Sterling?
Schools in Sterling score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.6% of adults in Sterling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 12.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sterling?
The obesity rate in Sterling is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 18.1% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 57.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,316.
What is transportation like in Sterling?
The average commute in Sterling is 28 minutes. 71% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sterling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is 96.6% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
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