Sterling, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Sterling, Illinois is 14,670 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 168th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $52,647, the median home value is $107,800, and the median age is 42.6.
The population has declined 5.7% since 2010 (15,415 → 14,535).
14,670
Population
2467
People / sq mi
$52,647
Median Income
$107,800
Median Home Value
Get Sterling's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Sterling covers 5.9 sq mi of land at 2467 people per square mile.
About Sterling, IL
Housing cost is the defining feature of Sterling: the median home is valued at $107,800. With 14,670 residents, Sterling is a city in Illinois.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $52,647, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $107,800, with typical rent around $780.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 18.5%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Sterling city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Sterling city had a population of 15,415 in 2010 and 14,535 in 2024, a -5.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,415 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.41%.
14,535
Population (2024)
15,415
Population (2010)
15,415
Peak (2010)
-0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,415 |
| 2011 | 15,338 |
| 2012 | 15,198 |
| 2013 | 15,098 |
| 2014 | 15,011 |
| 2015 | 14,974 |
| 2016 | 14,851 |
| 2017 | 14,709 |
| 2018 | 14,575 |
| 2019 | 14,463 |
| 2020 | 14,837 |
| 2021 | 14,752 |
| 2022 | 14,549 |
| 2023 | 14,526 |
| 2024 | 14,535 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$52,647
Median Household Income
$35,146
Per Capita Income
9.0%
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$107,800
Median Home Value
$780
Median Rent
61.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.5%
High School+
18.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.4%
Drive Alone
74.9%
Public Transit
3.3%
Work From Home
17.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
13.9%
Foreign Born
87.6%
Non-English at Home
8.9%
Veterans
18.1%
With Disability
93.8%
Health Insurance
91.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.8% |
| Manufacturing | 16.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.2% |
| Public Administration | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Information | 4.1% |
| Construction | 2.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.1% |
Largest cities in Illinois
Largest counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sterling, Illinois has a population of 14,670 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 168th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Sterling, Illinois is $52,647, with 9.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Sterling, Illinois is $107,800, with median monthly rent at $780 and a homeownership rate of 61.8%.
The median age in Sterling, Illinois is 42.6 years. The population is 51.3% male and 48.7% female.
The population has declined 5.7% since 2010 (15,415 → 14,535).
Sterling city, IL Climate
Sterling city, IL has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 945 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
945
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 36 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 35 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 66 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 92 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 114 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 118 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 92 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 112 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 89 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 70 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 69 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 52 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, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Sterling city, IL are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sterling
Visiting or relocating to Sterling, IL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Sterling
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Sterling?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Sterling, IL by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Illinois
Population 2,707,648
Population 179,867
Population 149,785
Population 149,424
Population 147,649
Full rankings of Illinois cities by population
Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.