Sterling, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
268
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$100,972/yr
-8.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
138
24.3% year-over-year change

Sterling population

How many people live in Sterling

Sterling is home to 268 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.6% of Sterling locals are male, and 44.4% are female.

Total population
268
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.6%
149
Female
44.4%
119
Value Percent YoY change
Male 149 55.6% 4.2%
Female 119 44.4% -6.3%
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 59, with the population distributed as follows: about 3.7% are children under 15, then 1.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 42.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
59.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
3.7%
15 to 24
1.1%
25 to 44
31%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
42.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10 3.7% -16.7%
15 to 24 3 1.1% -76.9%
25 to 44 83 31% -1.2%
45 to 64 59 22% -7.8%
Over 65 113 42.2% 16.5%
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

There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 268 100% -0.7%
Racial breakdown
White
93.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 250 93.3%
Two or more races 10 3.7%
Other 8 3%

Households in Sterling

A peek inside Sterling households

Sterling has 109 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.5% are families, while the remaining 49.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
109
16.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
54
Family households
55
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 54 49.5% 54.3%
Family households 55 50.5% -6.8%
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 138 units, with 86.2% 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 10.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
138
24.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 119 86.2%
2 units 3 2.2%
Mobile home 14 10.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
4
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sterling

In Sterling, the median construction year is 1989. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 27 19.6% 22.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9 6.5% 28.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 38 27.5% 100.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 38 27.5% -2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12 8.7% 20.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10 7.2% -16.7%
Built in 2020 or later 4 2.9% 100.0%
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 109 occupied housing units in Sterling, 87.2% are owner-occupied, while 12.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
109
16.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
14
Owner occupied
95
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 14 12.8% 0.0%
Owner occupied 95 87.2% 18.8%
Unoccupied housing units
21.0%
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.

Education in Sterling

Sterling education at a glance

About 69.4% of the population in Sterling went to high school, while 18.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 5.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 0.8% -33.3%
High school diploma 177 69.4% 1.7%
College diploma 47 18.4% 4.4%
Associate degree 11 4.3% -21.4%
Bachelor's degree 15 5.9% 25.0%
Graduate degree 3 1.2% -57.1%
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

How much people earn in Sterling

The average annual household income in Sterling was $88,270 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $100,972, reflecting a -8.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sterling
$88,270/year
-8.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sterling
$100,972/year
-8.4% year-over-year change

Sterling income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,438 overall. Overall, 98.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $113,438 2.5%
Above poverty level
262
Below poverty level
3
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 262 98.9% 0.0%
Below poverty level 3 1.1% -25.0%

Employment in Sterling

Workforce and job types in Sterling

66% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.8% run their own businesses, 85.8% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
93
Blue collar
48
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 93 66% 6.9%
Blue collar 48 34% -5.9%
Employer type
Self employees
2.8%
Private companies
85.8%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4 2.8% 33.3%
Private companies 121 85.8% -10.4%
Governmental workers 16 11.4% N/A

Transportation in Sterling

How people get around in Sterling

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 136 100% 1.5%
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
18463 268 109 $100,972 $88,516

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sterling demographics 

What is the total population of Sterling?

Sterling has a total population of 268 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sterling?

The gender ratio in Sterling is as follows:
  • 55.6% males (149 residents)
  • 44.4% females (119 residents)

What is the median age in Sterling?

The median age in Sterling is 59.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sterling?

The age distribution in Sterling is as follows:
  • Under 15: 3.7% (10 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 1.1% (3 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31% (83 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (59 residents)
  • Over 65: 42.2% (113 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sterling is as follows:
  • White: 93.3% (250 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (10 residents)
  • Other: 3% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Sterling.

How many housing units are there in Sterling?

There are 138 housing units in Sterling, reflecting a +24.3% 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 109 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sterling?

Sterling has a median household income of $100,972, representing a -8.4% 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: 66% (93 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34% (48 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.8% (4 residents)
  • Private companies: 85.8% (121 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (16 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% ( 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