Sterling, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Sterling, Virginia is 31,251 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest city in Virginia. The median household income is $125,753, the median home value is $508,400, and the median age is 34.8.
31,251
Population
5730
People / sq mi
$125,753
Median Income
$508,400
Median Home Value
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Sterling covers 5.5 sq mi of land at 5730 people per square mile.
About Sterling, VA
Sterling stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US cities, at roughly 5,730 people per square mile. Sterling is a city in Virginia with a population of 31,251. It ranks #35 among cities in Virginia by population.
Median household income is $125,753, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $508,400, with typical rent around $1,979.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 37.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Around 12.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Sterling: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 39.2% |
| Black or African American | 6.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Economy & Income
$125,753
Median Household Income
$46,400
Per Capita Income
7.5%
Poverty Rate
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$508,400
Median Home Value
$1,979
Median Rent
75.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
79.1%
High School+
37.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.1%
Drive Alone
66.8%
Public Transit
12.9%
Work From Home
25.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.1%
Foreign Born
39.5%
Non-English at Home
5.0%
Veterans
6.3%
With Disability
83.7%
Health Insurance
97.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 23.1% |
| Construction | 13.6% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 13.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.9% |
| Retail Trade | 6.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.6% |
| Public Administration | 6.3% |
| Manufacturing | 5.6% |
| Information | 4.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in Virginia
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sterling, Virginia has a population of 31,251 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest city in Virginia.
The median household income in Sterling, Virginia is $125,753, with 7.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Sterling, Virginia is $508,400, with median monthly rent at $1,979 and a homeownership rate of 75.3%.
The median age in Sterling, Virginia is 34.8 years. The population is 51.2% male and 48.8% female.
Where to stay in Sterling
Visiting or relocating to Sterling, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.