Sterling, ND demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
316
-1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,250/yr
-22.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
145
-7.0% year-over-year change

Sterling population

How many people live in Sterling

Sterling is home to 316 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of Sterling locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
316
-1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
163
Female
48.4%
153
Value Percent YoY change
Male 163 51.6% -10.9%
Female 153 48.4% 10.1%
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 is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 2.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 36.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
2.5%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
36.1%
Over 65
19.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 52 16.5% 30.0%
15 to 24 8 2.5% -20.0%
25 to 44 81 25.6% 3.9%
45 to 64 114 36.1% 2.7%
Over 65 61 19.3% -26.5%
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, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 313 99% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3 1% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 290 91.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.6%
Two or more races 24 7.6%

Households in Sterling

A peek inside Sterling households

Sterling has 127 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.1% 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
127
-5.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
38
Family households
89
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 38 29.9% 26.7%
Family households 89 70.1% -14.4%
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 145 units, with 77.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 19.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
145
-7.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 112 77.2%
1 unit, attached 2 1.4%
2 units 3 2.1%
Mobile home 28 19.3%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sterling

In Sterling, the median construction year is 1971. About 4.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.3% 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 7 4.8% -30.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 15 10.3% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 20 13.8% 66.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 29 20% -29.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 16 11% -40.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 17 11.7% 6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6 4.1% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16 11% 33.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 19 13.1% 11.8%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 127 occupied housing units in Sterling, 87.4% are owner-occupied, while 12.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
127
-5.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
16
Owner occupied
111
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 16 12.6% 77.8%
Owner occupied 111 87.4% -11.2%
Unoccupied housing units
12.4%
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

Median housing costs per month
$928/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.

Education in Sterling

Sterling education at a glance

About 37.9% of the population in Sterling went to high school, while 12.9% pursued college studies. Another 17.2% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4 1.6% 0.0%
High school diploma 97 37.9% -11.8%
College diploma 33 12.9% -19.5%
Associate degree 44 17.2% 2.3%
Bachelor's degree 37 14.4% 2.8%
Graduate degree 41 16% 7.9%
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 $77,057 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,250, reflecting a -22.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sterling
$77,057/year
-9.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sterling
$56,250/year
-22.4% 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 $116,563. Overall, 62.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $116,563 1.7%
Above poverty level
196
Below poverty level
116
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 196 62.8% -9.3%
Below poverty level 116 37.2% 17.2%

Employment in Sterling

Workforce and job types in Sterling

81.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 34.4% run their own businesses, 51.6% are employed by private companies, and 10.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
128
Blue collar
29
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 128 81.5% -0.8%
Blue collar 29 18.5% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
34.4%
Private companies
51.6%
Governmental workers
10.8%
Not for profit companies
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 54 34.4% -3.6%
Private companies 81 51.6% 2.5%
Governmental workers 17 10.8% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 5 3.2% -16.7%

Transportation in Sterling

How people get around in Sterling

Commuting methods vary: 94.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% 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 148 94.9% 8.8%
Walk 8 5.1% 0.0%
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
58572 316 127 $56,250 $77,057

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sterling demographics 

What is the total population of Sterling?

Sterling has a total population of 316 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 -1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sterling?

The gender ratio in Sterling is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (163 residents)
  • 48.4% females (153 residents)

What is the median age in Sterling?

The median age in Sterling is 49.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sterling?

The age distribution in Sterling is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (52 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.5% (8 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (81 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 36.1% (114 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.3% (61 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is as follows:
  • White: 91.8% (290 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (24 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Sterling.

How many housing units are there in Sterling?

There are 145 housing units in Sterling, reflecting a -7.0% 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 127 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sterling?

Sterling has a median household income of $56,250, representing a -22.4% 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: 81.5% (128 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.5% (29 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 34.4% (54 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.6% (81 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.8% (17 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.2% (5 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