Median Income
$64,261
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$221,900
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.8%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
29% higher than US avg
How Sterling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population303
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density947/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Economy
B
Median Income$64,261
Per Capita$23,053
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty16.0%
County GDP$1,506M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$221,900
Rent$950
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity28.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain13.1 in/yr
Elevation5,577 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+93.7%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 15%
Commute13 min
Libraries6
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 affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. 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 $64,261, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sterling is $221,900, 21% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Sterling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.1 inches, including 52.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sterling has a population of 303 with a density of 947 people per square mile. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (91.4%), with 2% Black.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 92.3% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Spanish | 7.7% |
| 43% below US avg |
The median household income in Sterling is $64,261, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,261 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,053 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $854 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,996 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 743 |
| County GDP | $1,506M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 63 |
| Retail | 77 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,898 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.2 min |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Sterling is $221,900, 21% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $221,900 |
| 21% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $981 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,082 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,313 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,746 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,898 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.31% |
In Sterling, 28.8% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 27.7% report depression. 18.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Sterling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,286/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 63 |
Crime Rates: Sterling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
Sterling has an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 13.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 13.1 inches |
| 66% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 52.9 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,577 ft (1,700 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 947/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1933°N, 111.6904°W |
| County FIPS | 49039 |