| ZIP Code | 48659 |
|---|---|
| City | Sterling |
| State | Michigan (MI) |
| County | Arenac County |
| Area Code | 989 |
| Elevation | 798 ft |
| Latitude | 44.065548 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -84.050783 |
| Timezone | Detroit (DST) |
| FIPS | 26011 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.4 yrs ↓ 12% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.67 |
| Below Poverty | 16.5% ▲ 65% above avg |
| College Grads | 23.2% ▼ 40% below avg |
| Unemployment | 5.5% ▲ 12% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 29 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 709 (41.1%) |
| Some College | 264 (15.3%) |
| Associates | 324 (18.8%) |
| Bachelors | 181 (10.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 220 (12.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $58,021 ▼ 24% below avg ↑ 32% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $118,900 ▼ 57% below avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $857/mo ↑ 19% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,300 |
| Vacant Units | 292 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.67 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,300 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 292 |
| Owner Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 13.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.67 |
ZIP code 48659 is located in Sterling, Michigan, within Arenac County. With a population of 2,740, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.4 years. Economically, 48659 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $58,021 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 48659 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $118,900 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $857 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 86.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 31% since 2019.
The population of 48659 is primarily White (95.73%). Residents are less-educated — 23.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 16.5%. Household income has grown by 32% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 48659 stands at 5.5%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 78%.
Overall, ZIP code 48659 in Sterling, MI is characterized as solidly middle-class, less-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,740 residents, a median household income of $58,021, and a median home value of $118,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Michigan.