Sterling, VA
Population 31,251 · Virginia
About Sterling, VA
Sterling is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 31,251 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $125,753 per year, which is 67% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 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 $508,400, which is 108% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sterling in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,979, 70% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,017 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (7,290 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (2,394 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sterling shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sterling have an average one-way commute time of 25.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.3% 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 2.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 46.2% Asian residents, with 44.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sterling Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Sterling, VA
Compared to national averages, Sterling has a median household income of $125,753 (67% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $508,400, which is 108% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,979 is 70% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Sterling's income is 43% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 55% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Sterling, VA?
Sterling offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $125,753, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 37.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $508,400. However, Sterling’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sterling has a population of 31,251 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Sterling with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Sterling
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 30,894 | $123,691 | $622,200 | Compare |
| West Falls Church | 30,660 | $131,236 | $658,700 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 33,365 | $50,741 | $157,900 | Compare |
| Fredericksburg | 28,383 | $85,368 | $461,500 | Compare |
| South Riding | 34,200 | $190,701 | $689,400 | Compare |
| Short Pump | 28,177 | $132,194 | $543,000 | Compare |
| Tysons | 28,022 | $129,189 | $640,500 | Compare |
| Winchester | 27,981 | $64,648 | $325,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Sterling, VA is 31,251 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling, VA is $125,753 per year, which is 67% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling, VA is $508,400, which is 108% above 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, VA is $1,979, which is 70% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sterling?
The unemployment rate in Sterling, VA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sterling, VA a good place to live?
Sterling offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,251 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sterling, VA?
37.3% 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, VA: median home value is $508,400 (108% above national), median rent is $1,979/month, and median household income is $125,753. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sterling?
The poverty rate in Sterling, VA is 6.8%, 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, VA?
Sterling's population is 2.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 46.2% Asian, and 6.3% two or more races. 44.2% of residents are foreign-born.