Sterling Flag

Sterling

County Seat:
No
Area (mi²):
23.37
State:
Illinois

Sterling is located in Whiteside County, Illinois. Sterling has a 2025 population of 16,885. Sterling is currently declining at a rate of -0.19% annually and its population has decreased by -2.51% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 17,319 in 2020.

The average household income in Sterling is $84,130 with a poverty rate of 14.98%. The median age in Sterling is 42.6 years: 38.9 years for males, and 44.8 years for females.

16.9K
Total Population
723
Density (mi²)
-32 -0.19%
Growth

Sterling Population

Sterling Population

Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change

Demographics

The racial composition of Sterling includes 80.43% White, 3.63% other race, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.

Population by Race

White (80.4%)

Two or more races (12.3%)

Other race (3.6%)

Black or African American (1.9%)

Asian (1.2%)

Native American (0.5%)

Race
Population
Percentage (of total)
White13,81980.43%
Two or more races2,11612.32%
Other race6243.63%
Black or African American3321.93%
Asian2111.23%
Native American790.46%

Sterling Marital Status

OverallMalesFemales0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

Married

Widowed

Divorced

Separated

Never Married

Economics and Income Statistics

Sterling's average per capita income is $44,711. Household income levels show a median of $56,250. The poverty rate stands at 14.98%.

Families: A family includes the owner or renter of the home along with everyone related to them - whether through birth, marriage, or adoption. This includes relatives like spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and any other family members.
Households: A household includes all the people who occupy a housing unit (such as a house or apartment) as their usual place of residence.
Non Families: A nonfamily household is either someone living alone or when the owner/renter lives with people they aren't related to, like roommates.
Name
Median
Mean
Married Families$102,996-
Families$76,743$103,046
Households$56,250$84,130
Non Families$32,995$51,947

$44,711

Average Income

$56,250

Median Household Income

14.98%

Poverty Rate

Nearby Cities

Sources

  1. US Census State Population Estimates - Most recent state estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
  2. US Census County Population Estimates - Most recent county estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
  3. American Community Survey (2009 - 2013)
  4. Census QuickFacts
  5. Historical Populations of States and Counties (1790 - 1990)