Sterling Heights, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Sterling Heights, Michigan is 133,473 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest city in Michigan. The median household income is $78,429, the median home value is $260,700, and the median age is 41.5.
The population has grown 3.6% since 2010 (129,709 → 134,342).
133,473
Population
3662
People / sq mi
$78,429
Median Income
$260,700
Median Home Value
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Sterling Heights covers 36.4 sq mi of land at 3662 people per square mile.
About Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 8.7% of the population. With 133,473 residents, Sterling Heights is a city in Michigan. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Michigan in the country, at #4 by population.
Median household income is $78,429, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $260,700, with typical rent around $1,267.
31.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is close to the national 14.0% at 13.8%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Sterling Heights city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Sterling Heights city had a population of 129,709 in 2010 and 134,342 in 2024, a 3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 134,342 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.25%.
134,342
Population (2024)
129,709
Population (2010)
134,342
Peak (2024)
0.25%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 129,709 |
| 2011 | 130,042 |
| 2012 | 130,672 |
| 2013 | 131,521 |
| 2014 | 132,136 |
| 2015 | 132,041 |
| 2016 | 132,522 |
| 2017 | 132,681 |
| 2018 | 132,725 |
| 2019 | 132,438 |
| 2020 | 134,114 |
| 2021 | 133,204 |
| 2022 | 132,521 |
| 2023 | 133,696 |
| 2024 | 134,342 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.9% |
| Black or African American | 6.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$78,429
Median Household Income
$37,315
Per Capita Income
8.2%
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$260,700
Median Home Value
$1,267
Median Rent
76.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.5%
High School+
31.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
74.7%
Public Transit
13.8%
Work From Home
25.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
8.7%
Foreign Born
65.4%
Non-English at Home
4.0%
Veterans
13.6%
With Disability
94.2%
Health Insurance
95.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 22.1% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.1% |
| Information | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.0% |
| Construction | 5.0% |
| Public Administration | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Michigan
Largest counties in Michigan
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Metro areas in Michigan
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sterling Heights, Michigan has a population of 133,473 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest city in Michigan.
The median household income in Sterling Heights, Michigan is $78,429, with 8.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Sterling Heights, Michigan is $260,700, with median monthly rent at $1,267 and a homeownership rate of 76.4%.
The median age in Sterling Heights, Michigan is 41.5 years. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The population has grown 3.6% since 2010 (129,709 → 134,342).
Where to stay in Sterling Heights
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.