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.
Sterling Cdp, VA Climate
Sterling Cdp, VA has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1017 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
1017
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 72 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 67 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 86 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 80 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 102 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 94 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 92 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 94 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 90 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 79 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 83 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 78 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Sterling Cdp, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Sterling Cdp, VA are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sterling
Visiting or relocating to Sterling, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Sterling
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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.