Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sterling, MA
Considering a move to Sterling, MA? This friendly town of 8,070 residents is known for its low crime rate (violent crime just 78 per 100k), highly rated public schools, and welcoming neighborhoods. The median home price is $475,000, and rents average around $1,350, with a cost of living just above the national average. Sterling offers a peaceful, rural setting with a 31-minute average commute, excellent health coverage, and beautiful seasonal weather, making it a great spot for families or anyone seeking a safe, close-knit community.
Demographics - Sterling, MA
Demographics - Sterling, MA
Sterling, MA is a predominantly White community of about 8,070 residents, with a median age of 46.1 and a nearly even gender balance. The town's population density is moderate, and around 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a primarily English-speaking environment with some cultural diversity.
Population:
8,070
Density:
260 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.4%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sterling, MA?
The cost of living in Sterling is about 20% higher than the U.S. average, driven largely by a median home value of $475,000 and average rents of $1,350. Residents pay reasonable state taxes and typical monthly expenses, making it a comfortable but slightly pricier place to live, especially in terms of housing.
Median House Value:
$475,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$840
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.4
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
134.5
Utilities:
115.2
Transportation:
119.5
Health Care:
109.8
Miscellaneous:
108.7
Crime
Is Sterling, MA a safe place to live?
Sterling is considered a very safe town, with a violent crime rate of just 78 per 100,000 people and property crime at 604 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a low risk of crime, contributing to the community's reputation as a secure and family-friendly place.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
604
Crime Index:
682
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 166
Weather
What is the weather like in Sterling, MA year-round?
Sterling experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 16°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The town receives about 47.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, offering a classic New England climate.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Sterling's households are financially comfortable, with a median income of $109,300 and a low poverty rate of 4.5%. Most adults have completed high school, 44% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute time is just over 31 minutes, reflecting a well-educated and stable community.
Median Income:
$52,400
Household Income:
$109,300
Family Income:
$124,600
Per Capita Income:
$51,300
Income Male:
$64,000
Income Female:
$50,500
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.9%
Bachelors or More:
44.0%
Education
How are the schools in Sterling, MA?
Sterling boasts strong public schools with low student-teacher ratios, and families have access to both private schools and nearby colleges such as Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College. The town’s educational opportunities make it appealing for families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Houghton Elementary School
Street:
32 Boutelle Rd
Phone:
978-422-2333
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Name:
Chocksett Middle School
Street:
40 Boutelle Rd
Phone:
978-422-6552
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
Applewild School
Street:
120 Prospect St, Fitchburg, MA
Phone:
978-342-6053
Students:
285
Colleges
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
4,200
Name:
Fitchburg State University
City:
Fitchburg
State:
MA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
6,500
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with 97.6% insured and two major hospitals nearby providing full emergency services. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, Sterling offers reliable and convenient medical care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital
Address:
60 Hospital Rd, Leominster, MA 01453
Phone:
(978) 466-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Heywood Hospital
Address:
242 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
Phone:
(978) 632-3421
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.6%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sterling, MA?
Sterling's housing market is robust, with a median home price of $475,000 and 85% of residents owning their homes. Rental vacancies are low and home values have appreciated by 5.2% in the past year, making it an attractive community for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$475,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Sterling residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Fitchburg, offering convenient access to licensing and vehicle services. The RMV provides support both in-person and online for local drivers.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
611 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Phone:
1-800-858-3926
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.