| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sterling/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 438 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 43.8 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 43.8 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 88 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 131.3 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5 | n/a | 218.8 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 350 | 1,956 | 1,760 |

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.
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? 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.
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%.
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.
| Item | Sterling | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Willowbrook, KS | 81 | 177 | 790 | 968 |
| South Hutchinson, KS | 2,731 | 188 | 838 | 1,025 |
| Lyons, KS | 3,619 | 144 | 923 | 1,068 |
| Little River, KS | 456 | 546 | 2,431 | 2,976 |
| Nickerson, KS | 882 | 587 | 2,614 | 3,201 |
| Raymond, KS | 68 | 607 | 2,706 | 3,313 |
| Alden, KS | 132 | 648 | 2,889 | 3,538 |
| Sterling, KS | 2,646 | 88 | 350 | 438 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Peapack and Gladstone, NJ | 2,646 | 34 | 224 | 258 |
| George West, TX | 2,646 | 92 | 1,339 | 1,431 |
| Bridgetown, MS | 2,646 | 33 | 214 | 247 |
| Abita Springs, LA | 2,645 | 118 | 520 | 638 |
| Leonard, TX | 2,645 | 182 | 956 | 1,139 |
| Sterling, KS | 2,646 | 88 | 350 | 438 |