Sterling, Colorado Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Sterling, Colorado is 13,273 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest city in Colorado. The median household income is $44,242, the median home value is $205,200, and the median age is 38.0.
The population has declined 11.5% since 2010 (14,825 → 13,114).
13,273
Population
1742
People / sq mi
$44,242
Median Income
$205,200
Median Home Value
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Sterling covers 7.6 sq mi of land at 1742 people per square mile.
About Sterling, CO
Among US cities, Sterling stands out first on household income: a median of $44,242, below the US median of $78,538. With 13,273 residents, Sterling is a city in Colorado.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $44,242, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.3%, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $205,200, with typical rent around $1,052.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US cities, 14.6%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 7.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 13 minutes each way.
Sterling city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Sterling city had a population of 14,825 in 2010 and 13,114 in 2024, a -11.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,825 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.85%.
13,114
Population (2024)
14,825
Population (2010)
14,825
Peak (2010)
-0.85%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,825 |
| 2011 | 14,691 |
| 2012 | 14,481 |
| 2013 | 14,347 |
| 2014 | 14,555 |
| 2015 | 14,548 |
| 2016 | 14,527 |
| 2017 | 14,446 |
| 2018 | 14,427 |
| 2019 | 14,495 |
| 2020 | 13,414 |
| 2021 | 13,214 |
| 2022 | 13,101 |
| 2023 | 13,022 |
| 2024 | 13,114 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.3% |
| Black or African American | 2.3% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$44,242
Median Household Income
$23,613
Per Capita Income
12.3%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$205,200
Median Home Value
$1,052
Median Rent
59.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.0%
High School+
14.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.4%
Drive Alone
71.7%
Public Transit
7.6%
Work From Home
13.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
37.6%
Foreign Born
87.7%
Non-English at Home
8.5%
Veterans
19.3%
With Disability
93.2%
Health Insurance
89.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 23.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.4% |
| Public Administration | 9.5% |
| Retail Trade | 7.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.1% |
| Construction | 6.4% |
| Manufacturing | 4.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.1% |
| Information | 3.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
Largest cities in Colorado
Largest counties in Colorado
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sterling, Colorado has a population of 13,273 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest city in Colorado.
The median household income in Sterling, Colorado is $44,242, with 12.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Sterling, Colorado is $205,200, with median monthly rent at $1,052 and a homeownership rate of 59.0%.
The median age in Sterling, Colorado is 38.0 years. The population is 55.5% male and 44.5% female.
The population has declined 11.5% since 2010 (14,825 → 13,114).
Sterling city, CO Climate
Sterling city, CO has an average annual temperature of 9.8°C (50°F) and receives about 402 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.8°C
Avg Temp
402
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 8 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 7 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 24 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 37 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 76 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 70 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 68 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 44 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 28 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 20 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 12 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 8 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 city, CO
The most comfortable months to visit Sterling city, CO are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sterling
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Colorado
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.