Sterling
Sterling city, Illinois
Sterling, Illinois, a charming city along the Rock River, offers a refreshingly affordable lifestyle, a reality increasingly rare in today's housing market. With a population of just under 15,000, Sterling boasts a close-knit community feel, where neighbors know each other and local businesses thrive. The biggest draw? The housing market. The median home value in Sterling clocks in at a remarkable $102,400, a stark contrast to the national average. This affordability opens doors for first-time homebuyers, young families, and those seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life. Imagine owning a home, mortgage payments manageable, allowing you to invest in experiences and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
From an investment perspective, Sterling presents a compelling case. While the median household income of around $49,000 is lower than the national average, the significantly lower cost of living more than compensates. The city is known for its safety and a slower pace of life, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment. The rental market is also robust, with a good mix of single-family homes and apartments. Sterling is a great choice for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without sacrificing access to essential amenities.
Sterling, Illinois at a Glance
Sterling is a city in Sterling city, Illinois with a population of approximately 14,852. The median home value is $102,400 and the median household income is $49,007. It has a Walk Score of 0 out of 100, indicating car dependency. The violent crime rate is 1.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 67% below the national average. Air quality is rated Good. The overall climate risk is rated as "Relatively Moderate." Median rent is $1,354 per month. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Data Explorer, EPA, Walk Score, and FEMA.
Median Home Value
$102,400
Median Income
$49,007
Population
14,852
Walk Score
0
Air Quality
AQI 43
Good
Climate Risk
Relatively Moderate
Fair
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- Population
- 14,852
- Median Age
- N/A
- Median Household Income
- $49,007
34% below nat'l avg
- Bachelor's Degree+
- N/A
- Poverty Rate
- 15.1%
22% above nat'l avg
- Median Home Value
- $102,400
64% below nat'l avg
- Median Rent
- $1,354
16% above nat'l avg
- Homeownership Rate
- 90.0%
37% above nat'l avg
- Affordability Index
- 218
118% above nat'l avg
- Violent Crime Rate
- 1.2 per 1K
67% below nat'l avg
- Property Crime Rate
- 3.7 per 1K
81% below nat'l avg
- AQI
- 43
Near nat'l avg
- Category
- Good
- Overall Risk
- Relatively Moderate
- Risk Score
- 73.10
Top Hazards
- Overall
- Quiet
- Road Traffic
- N/A
- Aviation
- N/A
- Rail
- N/A
- Electricity Rate
- 15.0¢/kWh
10% below nat'l avg
- Est. Monthly Electric
- $135
Near nat'l avg
- Total Schools
- 2
- Elementary
- 1
- Middle
- 0
- High School
- 1
- Avg. Enrollment
- 449
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.2:1
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 23.1%
- Title I Schools
- 0%
Student Demographics
Nearby Schools
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.1%
38% above nat'l avg
- Poverty Rate
- 15.1%
22% above nat'l avg
Weather & Climate in Sterling
Avg High
63°F
Avg Low
45°F
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
Avg Humidity
69%
Political Landscape
→ Politically stable
Based on McLean County county-level presidential election data
Culture & Things to Do in Sterling
Sterling Main Street Events
Various events held throughout the year, including festivals and holiday celebrations.
Rock River Days
An annual festival featuring music, food vendors, and family activities.
Sterling Farmers Market
A weekly market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts.
Holiday Parade
An annual parade celebrating the holiday season.
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