Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 43.3 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH 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 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $121,000 ▼ 57% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $791/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 9,753 |
| Vacant Units | 827 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Sterling is a city in Illinois, located in Whiteside County. The city spans 1 ZIP code and is home to approximately 20,916 residents. It is a middle-aged city, with a median age of 43.3 years.
Economically, Sterling is a solidly middle-class community. The median household income of $60,854 is below the national average. Approximately 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, near the national average.
The real estate market in Sterling is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. Median home values stand at $121,000, which is well below the national average. Renters typically pay around $791 per month. Homeownership is high at 70.6%, typical of suburban and family-oriented communities.
The population of Sterling is moderately educated. 31.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — below the national average. The community is primarily White (72.33%).
Sterling, IL offers residents a cost-conscious lifestyle within Illinois.
| ZIP | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College | Owner Occ. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61081 | 20,916 | $60,854 | $121,000 | $791 | 4.9% | 31.8% | 70.6% |