Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sterling, CO
Considering a move to Sterling, CO? This welcoming city of 13,735 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $209,000 and rents averaging $880. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 13 minutes, plenty of sunshine (68% sunny days), and access to local healthcare at Sterling Regional MedCenter. While crime rates are above national averages, Sterling features a strong sense of community, local schools, and the nearby Northeastern Junior College—making it a practical choice for those seeking a small-town vibe with essential amenities.
Demographics - Sterling, CO
Demographics - Sterling, CO
Sterling, Colorado is home to about 13,735 residents, with a median age of 36.4 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population is predominantly White (nearly 85%), and 13.5% speak a language other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity. The city offers a small-town atmosphere with a population density of 1,400 per square mile.
Population:
13,735
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.7%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
12.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sterling, CO?
Sterling offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $209,000 and typical rents around $880 per month. Utilities and groceries are also affordable, and state income taxes are a flat 4.4%. This makes Sterling an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$209,000
Gross Rent:
$880
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.6
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
72.5
Utilities:
93.7
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Sterling, CO a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Sterling are above the national average, with a violent crime rate of 271 per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 47. While the chance of encountering violent crime is relatively low, property crimes are more common, so new residents should take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
271
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,104
Crime Index:
2,375
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 369
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Sterling, CO year-round?
Sterling experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers reaching up to 91°F and cold winters dropping to 15°F. The city enjoys about 68% sunny days annually and receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Typical households in Sterling have a median income of $46,300, and families earn around $59,600, though about 15% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging just over 13 minutes. The community is close-knit, with low public transport usage and affordable living costs.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$46,300
Family Income:
$59,600
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$31,700
Income Female:
$26,400
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$880
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Sterling, CO?
Sterling offers a range of educational opportunities, including public and private schools with manageable student-to-teacher ratios, as well as local access to Northeastern Junior College. The community values education, with nearly 87% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Sterling High School
Street:
407 W Broadway St
Phone:
970-522-2944
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.8
Name:
Campbell Elementary School
Street:
902 Clark St
Phone:
970-522-7782
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.6
Private Schools
Name:
St. Anthony Catholic School
Street:
324 S 3rd St
Phone:
970-522-7567
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Northeastern Junior College
City:
Sterling
State:
CO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
Morgan Community College
City:
Fort Morgan
State:
CO
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Sterling Regional MedCenter provides residents with access to general and emergency healthcare services, supported by a physician rate of 1.4 per 1,000 people. With 91% of residents covered by health insurance, the city offers reliable healthcare options for everyday and urgent needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sterling Regional MedCenter
Address:
615 Fairhurst St, Sterling, CO 80751
Phone:
(970) 522-0122
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sterling, CO?
Sterling's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $209,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $880. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, making it a stable environment for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$209,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$880
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Sterling residents can access DMV services at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office located on West Main Street, or visit the state DMV website for additional information. The local office provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and related services.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1116 W Main St, Sterling, CO 80751
Phone:
303-205-5600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.