Sterling, GA
Population 1,849 · Georgia
About Sterling, GA
Sterling is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 1,849 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,359 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sterling features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sterling one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $828, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 833 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (467 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (195 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sterling shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sterling have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Sterling residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sterling, GA
Compared to national averages, Sterling has a median household income of $74,359 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $828 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Sterling's income is 22% above the state average of $60,815, and home values are 100% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Sterling, GA?
Sterling offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $828/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,359) that falls below the national average. However, Sterling’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sterling has a population of 1,849 with a median age of 35.3 years. Compare Sterling with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Sterling
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maysville | 1,829 | $78,182 | $221,800 | Compare |
| Clarkesville | 1,827 | $66,316 | $198,900 | Compare |
| Sparta | 1,827 | $24,854 | $56,500 | Compare |
| Lookout Mountain | 1,825 | $149,688 | $469,500 | Compare |
| Ludowici | 1,822 | $0 | $202,700 | Compare |
| Morgan | 1,878 | $63,750 | $90,400 | Compare |
| Cataula | 1,898 | $119,737 | $299,200 | Compare |
| Nicholson | 1,899 | $44,956 | $178,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sterling With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sterling
What is the population of Sterling, GA?
The population of Sterling, GA is 1,849 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling, GA is $74,359 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling, GA is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sterling?
The median monthly rent in Sterling, GA is $828, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sterling?
The unemployment rate in Sterling, GA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sterling, GA a good place to live?
Sterling offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,849 and a median age of 35.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sterling, GA?
20.3% of residents in Sterling aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Sterling?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sterling, GA: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $828/month, and median household income is $74,359. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sterling?
The poverty rate in Sterling, GA is 16.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Sterling, GA?
Sterling's population is 6.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 27.4% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.