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.
Located in the state of Illinois, Sterling is a moderately-sized city with a population of 14,774 people. At 87%, the majority of the Sterling population is White; this is followed by 2% Black and 2% Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Sterling, only 50% of the population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Sterling. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Sterling, Illinois. 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. 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, cost of living, education and more.
Sterling, IL receives 66 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #446 in Illinois and #9,964 in the USA. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Sterling has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). On a more negative note, Sterling does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Sterling, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
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.
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 $89,900, which is 48.6% 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 1.9, which is 36.7% 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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