| ZIP Code | 61081 |
|---|---|
| City | Sterling |
| State | Illinois (IL) |
| County | Whiteside County |
| Area Code | 779/815 |
| Elevation | 710 ft |
| Latitude | 41.850006 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -89.739377 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 17195 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.3 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.29 |
| Below Poverty | 13.2% ▲ 32% above avg |
| College Grads | 31.8% ▼ 18% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.9% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 229 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 4,856 (35.2%) |
| Some College | 1,867 (13.5%) |
| Associates | 2,467 (17.9%) |
| Bachelors | 1,484 (10.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,899 (21%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $60,854 ▼ 20% below avg ↑ 17% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $121,000 ▼ 57% below avg ↑ 14% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $791/mo ↑ 17% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 9,753 |
| Vacant Units | 827 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.29 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 9,753 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 827 |
| Owner Occupied | 70.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 29.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.29 |
ZIP code 61081 is located in Sterling, Illinois, within Whiteside County. With a population of 20,916, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 43.3 years. Economically, 61081 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $60,854 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 61081 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $121,000 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $791 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 70.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 14% since 2019.
The population of 61081 is primarily White (72.33%). Residents are moderately educated — 31.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 13.2%. Household income has grown by 17% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 61081 stands at 4.9%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 61081 in Sterling, IL is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 20,916 residents, a median household income of $60,854, and a median home value of $121,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Illinois.