Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
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.
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.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Sterling, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,351 people. According to the most recent Census, 87% of Sterling residents are White, 2% Black and 2% Asian. Sterling is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 50% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Sterling will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Sterling could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. 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 amenities, commute, education and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 67/100, Sterling is ranked #9,250 in the United States and #444 in Illinois. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Sterling ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) Sterling does not do well for the following: amenities (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The Sterling unemployment rate of 2.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Sterling is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Sterling come in at $163,230, which is 47.1% lower than the Illinois 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 2.3, which is 34.3% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Sterling | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.5% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.2% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.4% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.7% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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