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
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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% |
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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).
Where to stay in Sterling
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.