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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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).
Sterling Heights city, MI Climate
Sterling Heights city, MI has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 828 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
828
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 45 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 44 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 64 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 76 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 73 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 85 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 83 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 83 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 82 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 57 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 69 mm |
| December | -1° / 29° | 67 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 Heights city, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Sterling Heights city, MI 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 -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.