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
Sterling covers 7.6 sq mi of land at 1742 people per square mile.
About Sterling, CO
Sterling is a city in Colorado with a population of 13,273. It ranks #56 among cities in Colorado by population. The median age is 38.0, in line with the national median. The population is 55.5% male and 44.5% female.
The median household income in Sterling is $44,242, below the US median of $74,580. 12.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $205,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,052. The homeownership rate of 59.0% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sterling reflects 14.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.2 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
Part of Colorado
Metro areas in Colorado
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).
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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.