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.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
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.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
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.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Sterling, Kansas is a small-sized city with a population of 2,646 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, Sterling could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 29 years old, Sterling could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Sterling is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Sterling, Kansas could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Sterling, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, employment and more.
The livability score in Sterling is 77 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 90th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Sterling is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Sterling has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Sterling has received high marks for crime (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Sterling does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 88 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Sterling boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
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.
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. The median home price for Sterling homes is $196,420, which is 20.4% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Sterling, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Sterling | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.3% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.2% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.9% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 12.2% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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