Sterling, KS
Population 2,396 · Kansas
About Sterling, KS
Sterling is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 2,396 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,304 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.7 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 $130,200, which is 47% 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 $618, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 934 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (609 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (200 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sterling shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sterling have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.1% of 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 4.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sterling, KS
Compared to national averages, Sterling has a median household income of $51,304 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,200, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $618 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Sterling's income is 20% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 14% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Sterling, KS?
Sterling offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $618/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 36.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,304) 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 2,396 with a median age of 27.7 years. Compare Sterling with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Sterling
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheney | 2,386 | $75,263 | $148,000 | Compare |
| Halstead | 2,435 | $68,750 | $165,000 | Compare |
| Sabetha | 2,326 | $67,794 | $146,000 | Compare |
| Neodesha | 2,311 | $48,532 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Council Grove | 2,487 | $56,211 | $131,500 | Compare |
| Eureka | 2,271 | $45,121 | $73,100 | Compare |
| Clearwater | 2,536 | $72,266 | $191,500 | Compare |
| Anthony | 2,228 | $51,047 | $57,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
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, KS?
The population of Sterling, KS is 2,396 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling, KS is $51,304 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling, KS is $130,200, which is 47% 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, KS is $618, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sterling?
The unemployment rate in Sterling, KS is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sterling, KS a good place to live?
Sterling offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,396 and a median age of 27.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sterling, KS?
36.1% of residents in Sterling aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Sterling?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sterling, KS: median home value is $130,200 (47% below national), median rent is $618/month, and median household income is $51,304. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sterling?
The poverty rate in Sterling, KS is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sterling, KS?
Sterling's population is 4.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.