Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Sterling is a small city located in the state of Alaska. The city has a population of 5,150 residents. In Sterling, there are 66 people per square mile, which is about average when compared to the national population density average. If we look at the most recent Census, Sterling is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are American Indian and Alaskan and Asian. Sterling is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 48, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Sterling is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Sterling is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Alaska, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like commute, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Sterling and in the areas around Sterling is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 59/100, Sterling is ranked #17,919 in the United States and #44 in Alaska. Compared to the United States average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Sterling ranks well for employment (A+) and housing (A) The bad news for Sterling, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (D-).
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Sterling can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Sterling meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Sterling. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Sterling are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Sterling come in at $301,900, which is 17.4% higher than the Alaska average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sterling, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 5.7% lower than the Alaska average.
| Statistic | Sterling | Alaska | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.5% | 68.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.0% | 12.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.7% | 7.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.3% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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