Sterling, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
448
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,563/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
186
0.5% year-over-year change

Sterling population

How many people live in Sterling

Sterling is home to 448 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.4% of Sterling locals are male, and 53.6% are female.

Total population
448
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.4%
208
Female
53.6%
240
Value Percent YoY change
Male 208 46.4% 5.0%
Female 240 53.6% -0.4%
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 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.9% are children under 15, then 15.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 32.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.9%
15 to 24
15.8%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
32.8%
Over 65
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 49 10.9% -9.3%
15 to 24 71 15.8% 6.0%
25 to 44 105 23.4% 7.1%
45 to 64 147 32.8% 13.1%
Over 65 76 17% -15.6%
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, 99.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 447 99.8% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 421 94%
Black or African American 11 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.2%
Two or more races 15 3.4%

Households in Sterling

A peek inside Sterling households

Sterling has 155 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 81.9% are families, while the remaining 18.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
155
7.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
28
Family households
127
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 28 18.1% 0.0%
Family households 127 81.9% 9.5%
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 186 units, with 86% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
186
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 160 86%
2 units 8 4.3%
3 or 4 units 5 2.7%
Mobile home 13 7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sterling

In Sterling, the median construction year is 1954. About 28% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 17.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 52 28% 13.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 33 17.7% -5.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 19 10.2% 26.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11 5.9% -47.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 31 16.7% 19.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8 4.3% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 23 12.4% -8.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8 4.3% 14.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1 0.5% -50.0%
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 155 occupied housing units in Sterling, 87.7% are owner-occupied, while 12.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
155
7.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19
Owner occupied
136
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19 12.3% -13.6%
Owner occupied 136 87.7% 11.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.7%
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 $790 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $775.

Median housing costs per month
$790/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
$775/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 49.3% of the population in Sterling went to high school, while 26.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 10.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6 1.7% 50.0%
High school diploma 177 49.3% -4.8%
College diploma 94 26.2% 13.2%
Associate degree 28 7.8% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 37 10.3% 12.1%
Graduate degree 17 4.7% 41.7%
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 $73,137 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,563, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sterling
$73,137/year
7.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sterling
$61,563/year
4.8% 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 $61,563. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,125 overall. Overall, 88.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,563 9.4%
45 - 64 $58,125 -1.8%
Over 65 $80,250 12.6%
Above poverty level
359
Below poverty level
45
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 359 88.9% 1.1%
Below poverty level 45 11.1% 40.6%

Average renter income in Sterling

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sterling, their median household income was $52,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 17.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$52,500
Rent-to-income ratio
17.7%
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 214 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14% run their own businesses, 63.1% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
214
2.9% year-over-year change
White collar
145
Blue collar
69
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 145 67.8% 10.7%
Blue collar 69 32.2% -10.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14%
Private companies
63.1%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 30 14% 11.1%
Private companies 135 63.1% -2.2%
Governmental workers 27 12.6% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 22 10.3% 37.5%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
-26.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sterling stands at 6.1%, 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: 90.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 185 90.2% 2.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.5% -50.0%
Walk 4 2% -42.9%
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
48659 2,563 993 $58,750 $70,547

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sterling demographics 

What is the total population of Sterling?

Sterling has a total population of 448 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sterling?

The gender ratio in Sterling is as follows:
  • 46.4% males (208 residents)
  • 53.6% females (240 residents)

What is the median age in Sterling?

The median age in Sterling is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sterling?

The age distribution in Sterling is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.9% (49 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.8% (71 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (105 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.8% (147 residents)
  • Over 65: 17% (76 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is as follows:
  • White: 94% (421 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (11 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (15 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Sterling.

How many housing units are there in Sterling?

There are 186 housing units in Sterling, reflecting a +0.5% 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 155 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sterling?

Sterling has a median household income of $61,563, representing a +4.8% 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 93.9% in Sterling, with a workforce of 214 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.8% (145 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.2% (69 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14% (30 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.1% (135 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (27 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (22 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