Mount Sterling, IL
Population 1,949 · Illinois
About Mount Sterling, IL
Mount Sterling is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,949 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,922 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mount Sterling features a median home value of $118,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mount Sterling one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $712, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 952 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (477 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (410 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Sterling shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mount Sterling have an average one-way commute time of 12.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of Mount Sterling residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mount Sterling, IL
Compared to national averages, Mount Sterling has a median household income of $63,922 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,100, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $712 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Mount Sterling's income is 15% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 29% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Mount Sterling, IL?
Mount Sterling offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $712/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,922) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Sterling’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Sterling has a population of 1,949 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Mount Sterling with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Mount Sterling
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton | 1,946 | $86,679 | $182,800 | Compare |
| Maple Park | 1,939 | $106,250 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Port Byron | 1,959 | $101,250 | $259,300 | Compare |
| New Athens | 1,937 | $61,477 | $118,100 | Compare |
| Crystal Lawns | 1,965 | $109,415 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Princeville | 1,932 | $81,944 | $162,000 | Compare |
| Lake of the Woods | 1,976 | $69,054 | $194,300 | Compare |
| Mount Olive | 1,979 | $55,139 | $96,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Mount Sterling With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Sterling
What is the population of Mount Sterling, IL?
The population of Mount Sterling, IL is 1,949 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Mount Sterling?
The median household income in Mount Sterling, IL is $63,922 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Sterling?
The median home value in Mount Sterling, IL is $118,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mount Sterling?
The median monthly rent in Mount Sterling, IL is $712, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Sterling?
The unemployment rate in Mount Sterling, IL is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mount Sterling, IL a good place to live?
Mount Sterling offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,949 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mount Sterling, IL?
24.0% of residents in Mount 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 Mount Sterling?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Sterling, IL: median home value is $118,100 (52% below national), median rent is $712/month, and median household income is $63,922. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Sterling?
The poverty rate in Mount Sterling, IL is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mount Sterling, IL?
Mount Sterling's population is 1.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.