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.
Sterling is a small city located in the state of Alaska. The city has a population of 5,329 people. With a population density of 69 people per square mile, Sterling is about average when compared to the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (88% White). Given that fact, Sterling could be considered less diverse than other cities. The Sterling population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 48, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Sterling your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 26 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Sterling, Alaska. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Sterling and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 61 out of 100, Sterling is ranked #17,228 in the United States and #43 in Alaska. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Sterling has higher than average grades for the following: employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Sterling does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (D-), cost of living (F) and education (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Sterling excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Sterling. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Sterling are affordable. Median real estate prices in Sterling come in at $545,674, which is 18.1% 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 4, which is 2.4% lower than the Alaska average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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