Sterling, CO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,172
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,283/yr
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,290
-0.1% year-over-year change

Sterling population

How many people live in Sterling

Sterling is home to 13,172 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.3% of Sterling locals are male, and 42.7% are female.

Total population
13,172
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.3%
7,544
Female
42.7%
5,628
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,544 57.3% 2.5%
Female 5,628 42.7% -4.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Sterling is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 14% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.4% of the population, while another 21% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
33.4%
45 to 64
21%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,843 14% 3.2%
15 to 24 1,641 12.5% -9.4%
25 to 44 4,396 33.4% 0.2%
45 to 64 2,772 21% -0.4%
Over 65 2,520 19.1% 0.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Sterling, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.4% of locals are Caucasian, 4.2% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,214 92.7% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 574 4.4% -14.8%
Non-citizens 384 2.9% 11.6%
Racial breakdown
White
78.4%
Black or African American
4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.4%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 10,333 78.4%
Black or African American 560 4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 130 1%
Asian 105 0.8%
Two or more races 1,506 11.4%
Other 538 4.1%

Households in Sterling

A peek inside Sterling households

Sterling has 5,022 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.2% are families, while the remaining 52.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,022
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,654
Family households
2,368
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,654 52.8% 12.6%
Family households 2,368 47.2% -9.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Sterling

The housing landscape of Sterling

Sterling's housing consists of 5,290 units, with 65.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,290
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,475 65.7%
1 unit, attached 267 5%
2 units 45 0.8%
3 or 4 units 201 3.8%
5 to 9 units 204 3.9%
10 to 19 units 150 2.8%
20 to 49 units 301 5.7%
50 or more units 99 1.9%
Mobile home 548 10.4%
Homes built since 2020
42
5.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sterling

In Sterling, the median construction year is 1961. About 20.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,087 20.6% -9.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 379 7.2% 11.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,135 21.5% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 658 12.4% -1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 923 17.4% -7.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 414 7.8% -3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 315 6% 23.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 257 4.9% 44.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 80 1.5% 15.9%
Built in 2020 or later 42 0.8% 5.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Sterling occupancy rates

Out of the 5,022 occupied housing units in Sterling, 55.8% are owner-occupied, while 44.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,022
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,217
Owner occupied
2,805
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,217 44.2% 8.6%
Owner occupied 2,805 55.8% -4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Sterling housing costs

Housing costs in Sterling come to a median of $951 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,031.

Median housing costs per month
$951/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Sterling
$1,031/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Sterling

Sterling education at a glance

About 54.4% of the population in Sterling went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 397 3.6% 33.7%
High school diploma 6,007 54.4% -0.9%
College diploma 2,287 20.7% -2.9%
Associate degree 828 7.5% -12.4%
Bachelor's degree 930 8.4% 14.2%
Graduate degree 594 5.4% -0.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Sterling

How much people earn in Sterling

The average annual household income in Sterling was $56,160 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,283, reflecting a -2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sterling
$56,160/year
-5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sterling
$43,283/year
-2.2% year-over-year change

Sterling income by age

In Sterling, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,135. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $42,901 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,934, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,914 in earnings. Overall, 81.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,934 44.6%
25 - 44 $49,135 -8.3%
45 - 64 $42,901 -3.5%
Over 65 $38,914 1.2%
Above poverty level
8,857
Below poverty level
2,069
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,857 81.1% -7.5%
Below poverty level 2,069 18.9% 20.1%

Average renter income in Sterling

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sterling, their median household income was $33,438 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,438
Rent-to-income ratio
37%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Sterling

Workforce and job types in Sterling

The job market in Sterling is powered by 5,546 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 63.6% are employed by private companies, and 21.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,546
-3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
4,078
Blue collar
1,468
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,078 73.5% 0.8%
Blue collar 1,468 26.5% -12.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
63.6%
Governmental workers
21.9%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 441 8% 33.2%
Private companies 3,526 63.6% -6.9%
Governmental workers 1,214 21.9% 1.5%
Not for profit companies 365 6.6% -11.8%
Unemployment rate
7.8%
-0.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sterling stands at 7.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Sterling

How people get around in Sterling

Commuting methods vary: 83.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,521 83.9% -4.7%
Bus or trolleybus 188 3.5% -2.6%
Bicycle 10 0.2% -56.5%
Walk 213 4% -6.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Sterling by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
80751 16,936 6,449 $48,682 $69,440

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FAQs about Sterling demographics 

What is the total population of Sterling?

Sterling has a total population of 13,172 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sterling?

The gender ratio in Sterling is as follows:
  • 57.3% males (7,544 residents)
  • 42.7% females (5,628 residents)

What is the median age in Sterling?

The median age in Sterling is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sterling?

The age distribution in Sterling is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14% (1,843 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (1,641 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.4% (4,396 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21% (2,772 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (2,520 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is as follows:
  • White: 78.4% (10,333 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.2% (560 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (130 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (105 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.4% (1,506 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (538 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sterling are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in Sterling.

How many housing units are there in Sterling?

There are 5,290 housing units in Sterling, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sterling and what is the average household size?

Sterling has a total of 5,022 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sterling?

Sterling has a median household income of $43,283, representing a -2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sterling?

The employment rate is 92.2% in Sterling, with a workforce of 5,546 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (4,078 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (1,468 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (441 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.6% (3,526 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.9% (1,214 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (365 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025