Sterling, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,411
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,922/yr
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
952
1.9% year-over-year change

Sterling population

How many people live in Sterling

Sterling is home to 2,411 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Sterling locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
2,411
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
1,192
Female
50.6%
1,219
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,192 49.4% -0.7%
Female 1,219 50.6% 1.9%
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 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 29.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.5% of the population, while another 18% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
29.4%
25 to 44
19.5%
45 to 64
18%
Over 65
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 386 16% -1.5%
15 to 24 709 29.4% -1.1%
25 to 44 470 19.5% 8.1%
45 to 64 433 18% 8.2%
Over 65 413 17.1% -8.6%
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, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,325 96.4% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 45 1.9% -26.2%
Non-citizens 41 1.7% 28.1%
Racial breakdown
White
88.9%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 2,144 88.9%
Black or African American 86 3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 24 1%
Asian 3 0.1%
Two or more races 146 6.1%
Other 8 0.3%

Households in Sterling

A peek inside Sterling households

Sterling has 835 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.7% are families, while the remaining 38.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
835
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
320
Family households
515
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 320 38.3% -12.1%
Family households 515 61.7% 15.7%
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 952 units, with 88.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
952
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 839 88.1%
1 unit, attached 15 1.6%
2 units 15 1.6%
3 or 4 units 39 4.1%
5 to 9 units 7 0.7%
10 to 19 units 20 2.1%
Mobile home 17 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
22
22.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sterling

In Sterling, the median construction year is 1955. About 37.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 358 37.6% 0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 53 5.6% -14.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 126 13.2% 26.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 65 6.8% -9.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 139 14.6% 25.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 68 7.1% -20.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 58 6.1% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 50 5.2% -9.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 1.4% -23.5%
Built in 2020 or later 22 2.3% 22.2%
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 835 occupied housing units in Sterling, 75.6% are owner-occupied, while 24.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
835
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
204
Owner occupied
631
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 204 24.4% 2.0%
Owner occupied 631 75.6% 3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
12.3%
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 $691 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $689.

Median housing costs per month
$691/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
$689/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 28.7% of the population in Sterling went to high school, while 33% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 17.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14 0.7% 7.7%
High school diploma 551 28.7% 8.5%
College diploma 634 33% -9.9%
Associate degree 189 9.8% -14.5%
Bachelor's degree 330 17.2% 24.1%
Graduate degree 202 10.5% -7.8%
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 $90,230 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +34% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,922, reflecting a +7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sterling
$90,230/year
34.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sterling
$54,922/year
7.0% 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 $55,446. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,313 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,781, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,097 in earnings. Overall, 94.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,781 -9.3%
25 - 44 $55,446 6.7%
45 - 64 $100,313 26.5%
Over 65 $44,097 1.5%
Above poverty level
1,782
Below poverty level
110
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,782 94.2% 2.0%
Below poverty level 110 5.8% 18.3%

Average renter income in Sterling

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sterling, their median household income was $37,708 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,708
Rent-to-income ratio
21.9%
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 1,162 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 59.3% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,162
1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
923
Blue collar
239
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 923 79.4% 1.8%
Blue collar 239 20.6% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
59.3%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 99 8.5% -4.8%
Private companies 689 59.3% 11.1%
Governmental workers 189 16.3% -4.1%
Not for profit companies 185 15.9% -18.1%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
31.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sterling stands at 2.4%, 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

In Sterling, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 12.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-3.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 878 77.6% 7.2%
Motorcycle 2 0.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 15 1.3% -50.0%
Walk 137 12.1% -23.0%
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
67579 3,102 1,090 $65,294 $99,584

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FAQs about Sterling demographics 

What is the total population of Sterling?

Sterling has a total population of 2,411 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sterling?

The gender ratio in Sterling is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (1,192 residents)
  • 50.6% females (1,219 residents)

What is the median age in Sterling?

The median age in Sterling is 29.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sterling?

The age distribution in Sterling is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (386 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 29.4% (709 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.5% (470 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18% (433 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.1% (413 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is as follows:
  • White: 88.9% (2,144 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (86 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (24 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (146 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Sterling.

How many housing units are there in Sterling?

There are 952 housing units in Sterling, reflecting a +1.9% 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 835 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sterling?

Sterling has a median household income of $54,922, representing a +7.0% 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 97.6% in Sterling, with a workforce of 1,162 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (923 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (239 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (99 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.3% (689 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (189 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.9% (185 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