A+
79%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
76%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
80%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSterling/100k peopleKansas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime10n/a (estimate)4382,3952,119
Murder0n/a0.03.85.0
Rape1n/a43.844.137.5
Robbery0n/a0.030.960.6
Assault1n/a43.8359.9256.1
Violent crime2n/a (estimate)88439359
Burglary3n/a131.3261.6229.2
Theft5n/a218.81,458.51,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0236.3258.8
Property crime8n/a (estimate)3501,9561,760

Sterling crime map

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The Sterling crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sterling as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Sterling crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sterling crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Sterling, KS

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Sterling crime rate is 79.4% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Sterling, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 88 per 100,000 individuals, 75.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, Sterling recorded 8 property crimes, amounting to 350 per 100,000 residents, 80.1% lower than the U.S. average.

Sterling has a crime rate of 438, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Sterling being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Sterling stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 88 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Sterling secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Sterling registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Sterling, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 350, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.

The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Sterling emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sterling?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Sterling. Based on the results of the surveys (5 responses), 100% of people felt that there was very little crime in Sterling and felt safe walking alone at night. While 0% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Sterling a Safe Place to Live?

Is Sterling a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Sterling has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 79%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.03 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.02 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Sterling as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Sterling Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Sterling crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Sterling has decreased by 58.3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 50% and property crime has decreased by 60%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sterling

Sterling has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.14 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

The median home price in Sterling is $196,420, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

In Sterling, the average rental rates are $936 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Sterling crime rates are 79% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Sterling are 76% lower than the national average
      • In Sterling you have a 1 in 229 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Sterling is safer than 80% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Sterling has decreased by 16%

      Sterling, KS Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Sterling

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        Daily Crime In Sterling (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Sterling (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sterling

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sterling is 1 in 1143
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sterling is 1 in 286
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sterling is 1 in 229

        Year Over Year Crime In Sterling (per 100,000 people)

        Sterling police department

        Item Sterling Kansas National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)55,262558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.12.53.3
        There are a total of 5 Sterling police officers. This results in 2.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 13.6% less than the Kansas average and 34.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Kansas

        State Total offenders Kansas /100K National /100K
        Kansas9,632349266
        There are a total of 9,632 sex offenders in Kansas. This yields a total of 349 sex offenders in Kansas per 100,000 residents which is 31% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Willowbrook, KS81177790968
        South Hutchinson, KS2,7311888381,025
        Lyons, KS3,6191449231,068
        Little River, KS4565462,4312,976
        Nickerson, KS8825872,6143,201
        Raymond, KS686072,7063,313
        Alden, KS1326482,8893,538
        Sterling, KS2,64688350438

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,64634224258
        George West, TX2,646921,3391,431
        Bridgetown, MS2,64633214247
        Abita Springs, LA2,645118520638
        Leonard, TX2,6451829561,139
        Sterling, KS2,64688350438
        Source: The Sterling, KS crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.