Greater Sterling, Central Massachusetts, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,962
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$129,063/yr
-5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,815
0.3% year-over-year change

Sterling population

How many people live in Sterling

Sterling is home to 6,962 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Sterling locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
6,962
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
3,444
Female
50.5%
3,518
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,444 49.5% 3.1%
Female 3,518 50.5% -1.2%
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 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 7.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.8% of the population, while another 35.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
7.6%
25 to 44
18.8%
45 to 64
35.7%
Over 65
22.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,045 15% -6.7%
15 to 24 529 7.6% -1.3%
25 to 44 1,307 18.8% 4.6%
45 to 64 2,484 35.7% 0.1%
Over 65 1,597 22.9% 5.4%
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, 92.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,438 92.5% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 298 4.3% 15.1%
Non-citizens 226 3.2% -22.3%
Racial breakdown
White
86.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 6,022 86.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.4%
Two or more races 538 7.7%
Other 375 5.4%

Households in Sterling

A peek inside Sterling households

Sterling has 2,792 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.2% are families, while the remaining 29.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,792
-0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
834
Family households
1,959
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 834 29.9% 5.4%
Family households 1,959 70.2% -2.1%
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 2,815 units, with 81.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,815
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,299 81.7%
1 unit, attached 237 8.4%
2 units 91 3.2%
3 or 4 units 84 3%
5 to 9 units 60 2.1%
20 to 49 units 15 0.5%
50 or more units 29 1%
Homes built since 2020
44
-2.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sterling

In Sterling, the median construction year is 1980. About 13.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 374 13.3% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 182 6.5% -6.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 108 3.8% -3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 371 13.2% 10.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 368 13.1% -21.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 414 14.7% 2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 322 11.4% 11.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 431 15.3% 0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 202 7.2% 20.2%
Built in 2020 or later 44 1.6% -2.2%
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 2,792 occupied housing units in Sterling, 86.4% are owner-occupied, while 13.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 0.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,792
-0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
381
Owner occupied
2,411
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 381 13.6% 11.7%
Owner occupied 2,411 86.4% -1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
0.8%
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 $2,053 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,699.

Median housing costs per month
$2,053/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
$1,699/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 23.7% of the population in Sterling went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 27.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 202 3.6% 127.0%
High school diploma 1,343 23.7% 16.2%
College diploma 998 17.6% -6.5%
Associate degree 459 8.1% 46.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,535 27.1% -8.9%
Graduate degree 1,129 19.9% -6.0%
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 $163,672 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $129,063, reflecting a -5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sterling
$163,672/year
-2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sterling
$129,063/year
-5.1% 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 $145,729. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,153 overall. Overall, 93.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $145,729 2.6%
45 - 64 $149,153 1.5%
Over 65 $77,994 5.7%
Above poverty level
6,369
Below poverty level
412
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,369 93.9% -0.8%
Below poverty level 412 6.1% 40.1%

Employment in Sterling

Workforce and job types in Sterling

83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.3% run their own businesses, 64.3% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,032
Blue collar
613
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,032 83.2% -5.5%
Blue collar 613 16.8% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
14.3%
Private companies
64.3%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 521 14.3% -14.6%
Private companies 2,344 64.3% -4.8%
Governmental workers 423 11.6% -3.6%
Not for profit companies 357 9.8% 17.8%

Transportation in Sterling

How people get around in Sterling

Commuting methods vary: 91.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 2,687 91.5% -8.1%
Bus or trolleybus 20 0.7% 5.3%
Railroad 180 6.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 14 0.5% -12.5%
Walk 36 1.2% 2.9%
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
01564 8,183 3,282 $129,063 $165,108

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sterling demographics 

What is the total population of Sterling?

Sterling has a total population of 6,962 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sterling?

The gender ratio in Sterling is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (3,444 residents)
  • 50.5% females (3,518 residents)

What is the median age in Sterling?

The median age in Sterling is 51.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sterling?

The age distribution in Sterling is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (1,045 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.6% (529 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.8% (1,307 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 35.7% (2,484 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.9% (1,597 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is as follows:
  • White: 86.5% (6,022 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (538 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (375 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.5% of the population in Sterling.

How many housing units are there in Sterling?

There are 2,815 housing units in Sterling, reflecting a +0.3% 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 2,792 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sterling?

Sterling has a median household income of $129,063, representing a -5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sterling?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (3,032 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (613 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.3% (521 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.3% (2,344 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (423 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (357 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