Sterling, NE
Full City Profile · Nebraska · Johnson County County
4.0
/5.0
A
Great
685
Population
1,713/sq mi density
$72,083
Median Income
$30,840 per capita
$120,700
Home Value
$337,328 Zillow
$793
Median Rent
18.9% income on rent
51°F
Avg Temperature
A
Overall
4.0 / 5.0
Strong
A
Economy
4.0 / 5.0
$72,083 median income, 4.6% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$120,700 home value, $793/mo rent
B
Education
3.1 / 5.0
26.6% bachelor's degree or higher
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. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches. The area receives 21.0 inches of snow annually.
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) |
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
Air Quality
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)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.1 in | |
| March | 40°F (5°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 5.3 in | Wettest |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 4.0 in | |
| July | 77°F (25°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (24°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 2.6 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 40°F (4°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.1 in |
Sterling has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (0.8").