Illinois / Whiteside County

Moving to Sterling, IL

Thinking of making a move to Sterling, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sterling, IL

Considering a move to Sterling, IL? This welcoming community of 14,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $118,000 and average rents near $840. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Sterling's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Sterling, IL

Sterling has a population of 14,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 86% White, 5% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
14,900
Density
2,250 per sq mi
Median Age
38.4
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.2%
Black
4.5%
Asian
0.9%
Others
8.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Sterling, IL?

The cost of living in Sterling is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 78.4. Median home values are around $118,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $840. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$118,000
Gross Rent
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges
$118
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
78.4
Grocery
94.1
Housing
61.8
Utilities
100.7
Transportation
93.5
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
91.0

Crime

Is Sterling, IL a safe place to live?

Sterling is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 380 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 55. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
380
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,820
Crime Index
2,200
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 55

Weather

What is the weather like in Sterling, IL year-round?

Sterling experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
15°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,400 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$58,400
Family Income
$72,100
Per Capita Income
$29,300
Income Male
$39,200
Income Female
$30,100
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
11.2%
Rent
$840
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
4.1%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.6%
Bachelors or More
18.9%

Education

How are the schools in Sterling, IL?

Sterling offers quality education options, with public schools like Sterling High School and Washington Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Whiteside Area Career Center and Sauk Valley Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Sterling High School
Street
1608 4th Ave
Phone
815-625-6352
Students
800
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Washington Elementary School
Street
700 E 5th St
Phone
815-625-6967
Students
360
Student Teacher Ratio
15.3

Private Schools

Name
St. Mary School
Street
509 Avenue B
Phone
815-625-5576
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Whiteside Area Career Center
City
Sterling
State
IL
Distance
2 miles
Students
300
Name
Sauk Valley Community College
City
Dixon
State
IL
Distance
12 miles
Students
3,200

Healthcare

Sterling residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like CGH Medical Center and KSB Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
CGH Medical Center
Address
100 E Le Fevre Rd, Sterling, IL 61081
Phone
(815) 625-0400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
KSB Hospital
Address
403 E 1st St, Dixon, IL 61021
Phone
(815) 288-5531
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
91.4%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Sterling, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $118,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Sterling offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$118,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$840
Owner Occupied Rate
68.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Sterling handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, conveniently located in Springfield. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department
Address
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723
Phone
1-800-252-8980

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.

FAQs About Moving to Sterling, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Sterling, review the core fields on this page: population 14,900, median home value $118,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $840, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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