AlaskaPop. 6,323Towns
Is Sterling a Good Place to Live? Sterling, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sterling ranks #459 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #75 of 234 towns and #6 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.6%, #29 of 234) and high household income ($102,415, #41 of 234), and trails on long commutes (30.1 min, #216 of 234).
Sterling by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sterling's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Sterling: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Sterling safe?
What is the cost of living in Sterling?
Sterling's cost of living index is 96.2, 4% below the US level of 100 and #494 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,248/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $365,688, 8% below the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Sterling | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 96.2#494 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $365,688#554 of 1,187 | $398,663 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $353,400#663 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,248/mo#480 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 14.6%#49 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Sterling housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below.
Alaska housing market →Is Sterling safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Sterling alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Sterling crime rate or rank it on safety. Alaska as a whole records 729 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Sterling?
The median household in Sterling earns $102,415, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Alaska ($95,665). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Sterling | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $102,415#308 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 4.6%#83 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sterling?
The median resident of Sterling is 46.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sterling | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 46.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 29.2%#824 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 86.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sterling's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Sterling to describe its public schools. 31.7% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Sterling | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.7%#518 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 13.9%#130 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.3%#414 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Sterling?
The average commute in Sterling is 30.1 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 1% of workers take transit and 14.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sterling scores 5.7 of 20 (least walkable), #1298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 55.6°F and winters 17.2°F, with 23.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sterling | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 30.1 min#1113 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 10.8%#1099 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 61.7% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.4% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 14.6% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 5.7#1298 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21.6 | 8.2 | 1.3 |
| Feb | 27.8 | 12 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 33.1 | 14.7 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 45.7 | 27.9 | 0.9 |
| May | 56.4 | 35.4 | 1 |
| Jun | 63.3 | 43.6 | 1.7 |
| Jul | 66.1 | 49 | 2.4 |
| Aug | 63.8 | 47.4 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 54.5 | 39.8 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 41.6 | 27.8 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 28.2 | 15.3 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 23.4 | 10.2 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sterling 6sw.
| Measure | Sterling | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 35.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 55.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 17.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 23.1 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sterling 6sw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sterling?
Kenai Peninsula Borough's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kenai Peninsula Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.44% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Sterling | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 9#3 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.44%#1251 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kenai Peninsula Borough: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kenai Peninsula Borough
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.31% | 100% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.032% | 93% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.027% | 85% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.001% | 79% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.024% | 1% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Sterling compare with similar-size cities?
Sterling is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #75 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,323.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling, AKPop. 6,323 | #459 | 58.8 | $102,415 | $1,248/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #870 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 | 15.8 min |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #6 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 | 20.7 min |
| Douglas, WYPop. 6,420 | #421 | 59.7 | $83,147 | $841/mo | 124 | 16.5 min |
| Edgemoor, DEPop. 6,349 | #1143 | 46.9 | $59,424 | $1,438/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #725 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 | 21.2 min |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #662 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 | 11.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Sterling compare with the rest of Alaska?
Sterling ranks #6 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 58.8 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 7% above the Alaska median. Homes are 8% below the typical Alaska home.
| City | Rank in AK | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #1 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #2 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #3 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #4 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 |
| Bethel, AKPop. 6,312 | #5 | 60.8 | $117,255 | $1,678/mo | 1,278 |
| Sterling, AKPop. 6,323 | #6 | 58.8 | $102,415 | $1,248/mo | no data |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #7 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #8 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 |
| Kalifornsky, AKPop. 8,663 | #9 | 55.3 | $93,508 | $1,394/mo | no data |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #10 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #11 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data |
| Palmer, AKPop. 6,268 | #12 | 53.5 | $72,201 | $1,125/mo | 206 |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #13 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #14 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #15 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #16 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data |
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #17 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #18 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data |
| Wasilla, AKPop. 9,720 | #19 | 47.6 | $67,234 | $1,153/mo | 432 |
| Meadow Lakes, AKPop. 8,689 | #20 | 44.6 | $81,699 | $1,377/mo | no data |
All 20 Alaska cities we track, by overall score. Alaska statewide: median income $95,665, violent crime 729.3 per 100,000.
How is Sterling's score calculated?
Sterling scores 58.8 out of 100, #459 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Alaska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sterling. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
58.6 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sterling. Similar-size median 56.5.
66.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Sterling's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
69.9 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sterling. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.3 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sterling. Similar-size median 48.3.
47.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sterling's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
24.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
52.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Sterling alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Sterling.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Sterling.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sterling's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sterling has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Sterling
Is Sterling, AK a good place to live?
Sterling ranks #459 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #75 of 234 towns and #6 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.6%, #29 of 234) and high household income ($102,415, #41 of 234), and trails on long commutes (30.1 min, #216 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Sterling?
Sterling's cost of living index is 96.2, 4% below the US level of 100 and #494 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,248/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $365,688, 8% below the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
Is Sterling safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Sterling alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Sterling crime rate or rank it on safety. Alaska as a whole records 729 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Sterling?
The median household in Sterling earns $102,415, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Alaska ($95,665). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Sterling?
Median rent in Sterling is $1,248/mo (Census), #480 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 14.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sterling?
The typical home value in Sterling is $365,688, up 6.7% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $353,400.
How are the public schools in Sterling?
We have too few school records for Sterling to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Sterling?
The average commute is 30.1 minutes, #1113 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 10.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sterling?
Sterling averages 35.7°F over the year, 55.6°F in summer and 17.2°F in winter, with 23.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sterling walkable?
Sterling scores 5.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (least walkable), #1298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Sterling at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kenai Peninsula Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.44% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sterling?
Kenai Peninsula Borough's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 100% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Sterling?
Sterling has 6,323 residents. The median resident of Sterling is 46.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sterling compare with the rest of Alaska?
Sterling ranks #6 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 58.8 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 7% above the Alaska median. Homes are 8% below the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Sterling?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sterling's population of 6,323 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Valley City, ND (#870 overall), Shelburne, VT (#6 overall), and Douglas, WY (#421 overall). Sterling is #459.