Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sterling, VA
Thinking of moving to Sterling, VA? With a population of just over 30,000 and a median home price around $505,000, Sterling offers suburban comfort, strong schools, and a diverse community. Residents enjoy lower violent crime rates than national averages, a healthy local job market, and average commutes of about 31.5 minutes. The area boasts excellent public schools, plenty of sunny days, and easy access to healthcare and higher education—making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Sterling, VA
Demographics - Sterling, VA
Sterling has a population of just over 30,000, featuring a diverse community where nearly 15% identify as Asian and more than 30% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 35.2, and the area maintains a close gender balance, making it appealing to families and young professionals alike.
Population:
30,337
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
30.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
38.1%
Black:
9.4%
Asian:
14.7%
Others:
37.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sterling, VA?
Sterling’s cost of living is higher than the U.S. average, with a median home value of $505,000 and average rent at $1,950 for a two-bedroom. Utilities and groceries are also above average, but residents benefit from competitive state tax rates and high-quality local amenities.
Median House Value:
$505,000
Gross Rent:
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$805
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
139.4
Grocery:
113.9
Housing:
161.2
Utilities:
107.8
Transportation:
128.3
Health Care:
107.1
Miscellaneous:
108.6
Crime
Is Sterling, VA a safe place to live?
Sterling experiences lower violent crime rates than the national average, with just 120 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 833 chance of being affected. Property crime exists but remains moderate, supporting a generally safe, family-friendly environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,170
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Sterling, VA year-round?
Residents enjoy four well-defined seasons, with summer highs around 89°F and winter lows dipping to 24°F. Sterling sees about 41 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Sterling’s residents have a median household income of $109,300, and only 6.5% live below the poverty line. The community is well-educated, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and average commutes last about 31.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$55,700
Household Income:
$109,300
Family Income:
$117,900
Per Capita Income:
$39,100
Income Male:
$65,000
Income Female:
$54,000
Poverty Rate:
6.5%
Non English Speakers:
30.2%
Rent:
$1,950
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
4.5%
Commute Time:
31.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
44.1%
Education
How are the schools in Sterling, VA?
Sterling boasts strong public schools like Park View High and Sterling Middle, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also close to higher education institutions, including Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University, making it ideal for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Park View High School
Street:
400 W Laurel Ave
Phone:
571-434-4500
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Sterling Middle School
Street:
201 W Holly Ave
Phone:
571-434-4520
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
750 Peachtree St
Phone:
703-880-4350
Students:
375
Colleges
Name:
Northern Virginia Community College (Loudoun Campus)
City:
Sterling
State:
VA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
10,200
Name:
George Mason University
City:
Fairfax
State:
VA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
39,000
Healthcare
Sterling provides access to top medical care, including nearby hospitals like Inova Loudoun and Reston Hospital Center, both offering emergency services. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from reliable healthcare options.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Inova Loudoun Hospital
Address:
44045 Riverside Pkwy, Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone:
(703) 858-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Reston Hospital Center
Address:
1850 Town Center Pkwy, Reston, VA 20190
Phone:
(703) 689-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sterling, VA?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $505,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of nearly 70%. Homes appreciate at about 5.2% annually, while rental vacancies remain low, reflecting steady demand in this suburban community.
Median Home Price:
$505,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Sterling residents can conveniently access DMV services at the local office in Cascades Marketplace, managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Essential driver and vehicle services are available both in person and online, ensuring efficient support for newcomers.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Cascades Marketplace, 45915 Maries Rd, Sterling, VA 20166
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
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.