Greater Sterling Heights, Southeast Michigan, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
118,104
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$103,368/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
49,602
1.1% year-over-year change

Sterling Heights population

How many people live in Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights is home to 118,104 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Sterling Heights locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
118,104
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
57,385
Female
51.4%
60,719
Value Percent YoY change
Male 57,385 48.6% -0.4%
Female 60,719 51.4% 1.1%
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 Heights is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.9% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 29.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
29.3%
Over 65
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,810 15.9% -2.1%
15 to 24 13,750 11.6% -0.6%
25 to 44 26,358 22.3% 2.8%
45 to 64 34,625 29.3% 0.7%
Over 65 24,562 20.8% -0.2%
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 Heights, 86.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 102,648 86.9% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,632 9% 0.8%
Non-citizens 4,825 4.1% 5.6%
Racial breakdown
White
86%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 101,597 86%
Black or African American 3,633 3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 313 0.3%
Asian 3,667 3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 177 0.2%
Two or more races 6,628 5.6%
Other 2,090 1.8%

Households in Sterling Heights

A peek inside Sterling Heights households

Sterling Heights has 47,887 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68% are families, while the remaining 32% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
47,887
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
15,346
Family households
32,541
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 15,346 32% 2.9%
Family households 32,541 68% -0.1%
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 Heights

The housing landscape of Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights's housing consists of 49,602 units, with 63.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11% 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 5.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
49,602
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 31,621 63.8%
1 unit, attached 5,474 11%
2 units 262 0.5%
3 or 4 units 2,106 4.2%
5 to 9 units 3,169 6.4%
10 to 19 units 2,152 4.3%
20 to 49 units 525 1.1%
50 or more units 1,651 3.3%
Mobile home 2,642 5.3%
Homes built since 2020
957
42.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sterling Heights

In Sterling Heights, the median construction year is 1986. About 3.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,519 3.1% 5.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 832 1.7% -3.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,715 7.5% 2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,977 10% 3.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,831 13.8% -4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,487 13.1% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,428 21% -0.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,834 17.8% 0.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,022 10.1% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 957 1.9% 42.8%
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 Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 47,887 occupied housing units in Sterling Heights, 76.9% are owner-occupied, while 23.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
47,887
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,076
Owner occupied
36,811
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,076 23.1% 3.9%
Owner occupied 36,811 76.9% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
3.5%
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 Heights housing costs

Housing costs in Sterling Heights come to a median of $1,358 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,304.

Median housing costs per month
$1,358/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 Heights
$1,304/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 Heights

Sterling Heights education at a glance

About 30.3% of the population in Sterling Heights went to high school, while 22.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.9% earned an associate degree and 21.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,462 2.6% 5.9%
High school diploma 28,481 30.3% 2.3%
College diploma 21,320 22.7% -1.3%
Associate degree 9,307 9.9% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 20,326 21.6% -0.2%
Graduate degree 12,135 12.9% 2.1%
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 Heights

How much people earn in Sterling Heights

The average annual household income in Sterling Heights was $123,499 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $103,368, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sterling Heights
$123,499/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sterling Heights
$103,368/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Sterling Heights income by age

In Sterling Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $106,426. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $139,356 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,206, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,906 in earnings. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,206 -0.3%
25 - 44 $106,426 -1.3%
45 - 64 $139,356 -3.6%
Over 65 $63,906 -0.8%
Above poverty level
107,301
Below poverty level
9,070
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 107,301 92.2% -1.2%
Below poverty level 9,070 7.8% 21.7%

Average renter income in Sterling Heights

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sterling Heights, their median household income was $45,789 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,789
Rent-to-income ratio
34.2%
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 Heights

Workforce and job types in Sterling Heights

79.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 73.5% are employed by private companies, and 9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
46,181
Blue collar
12,095
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 46,181 79.2% 1.6%
Blue collar 12,095 20.8% 2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
73.5%
Governmental workers
9%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,806 10% 6.3%
Private companies 42,820 73.5% 1.9%
Governmental workers 5,245 9% -1.9%
Not for profit companies 4,405 7.6% -0.1%

Transportation in Sterling Heights

How people get around in Sterling Heights

Commuting methods vary: 98.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 47,448 98.7% -1.2%
Taxicab 61 0.1% -10.3%
Bus or trolleybus 155 0.3% 210.0%
Ferryboat 33 0.1% 83.3%
Motorcycle 7 0% -61.1%
Bicycle 81 0.2% 145.4%
Walk 300 0.6% 6.0%
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 Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48065 11,597 4,686 $106,053 $125,340
48094 20,736 8,044 $98,017 $126,850
48095 5,701 2,073 $107,393 $138,838
48315 28,472 11,154 $100,684 $123,739
48316 28,784 11,616 $107,776 $132,147
48317 27,565 12,355 $72,917 $84,954

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FAQs about Sterling Heights demographics 

What is the total population of Sterling Heights?

Sterling Heights has a total population of 118,104 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sterling Heights?

The gender ratio in Sterling Heights is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (57,385 residents)
  • 51.4% females (60,719 residents)

What is the median age in Sterling Heights?

The median age in Sterling Heights is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sterling Heights?

The age distribution in Sterling Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.9% (18,810 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (13,750 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (26,358 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.3% (34,625 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.8% (24,562 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling Heights is as follows:
  • White: 86% (101,597 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (3,633 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (313 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (3,667 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (177 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (6,628 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (2,090 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.9% of the population in Sterling Heights.

How many housing units are there in Sterling Heights?

There are 49,602 housing units in Sterling Heights, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sterling Heights has a total of 47,887 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sterling Heights?

Sterling Heights has a median household income of $103,368, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sterling Heights?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.2% (46,181 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.8% (12,095 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (5,806 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.5% (42,820 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9% (5,245 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (4,405 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