MichiganPop. 133,573Mid-size cities
Is Sterling Heights a Good Place to Live? Sterling Heights, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sterling Heights ranks #580 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.6%, #20 of 205), and trails on high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
Sterling Heights by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sterling Heights's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,292/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $308,784, 16% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Sterling Heights | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.3#676 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $308,784#402 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,526/mo#359 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $274,300#457 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,292/mo#517 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.4%#378 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan 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 Heights 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. Sterling Heights is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Sterling Heights safe?
Sterling Heights recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #396 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #63 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sterling Heights Police Department. Property crime runs 1,157 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sterling Heights | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 220#396 of 1,085 | 416 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,157#291 of 1,085 | 1,259 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Sterling Heights?
The median household in Sterling Heights earns $79,909, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sterling Heights | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $79,909#618 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 11.1%#581 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sterling Heights?
The median resident of Sterling Heights is 41.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #751 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sterling Heights | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 31.1%#751 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 75.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sterling Heights's schools and health?
Sterling Heights's 28 public schools graduate 93.6% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $15,169 spent per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sterling Heights | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93.6%#153 of 1,063 | 81% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18.2#853 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,169#570 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36%#866 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.7%#218 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,382 students are enrolled in Sterling Heights's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sterling Heights?
The average commute in Sterling Heights is 24.7 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 0.5% of workers take transit and 15.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sterling Heights scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70°F and winters 27.1°F, with 35 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sterling Heights | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.2%#602 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.6% | 75.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15.7% | 11.2% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.8#1105 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan 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 | 31.6 | 17.9 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 34.2 | 18.5 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 43.5 | 25.9 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 56.3 | 35.9 | 3.4 |
| May | 68.1 | 46.7 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.1 | 57 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 82.2 | 61.9 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 79.9 | 60.7 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 73 | 53.1 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 60.5 | 42.5 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 47.5 | 32.4 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 36.5 | 24.1 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mt Clemens Ang Base.
| Measure | Sterling Heights | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 70°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 27.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 35 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mt Clemens Ang Base.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sterling Heights?
Macomb County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Macomb County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Sterling Heights | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 10#859 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#334 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Macomb County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Macomb County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0018% | 73% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 68% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0037% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 49% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 30% 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 Heights compare with similar-size cities?
Sterling Heights is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #86 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 133,573.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #580 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 | 24.7 min |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #590 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 | 30.4 min |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #833 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 | 21.5 min |
| Carrollton, TXPop. 133,740 | #270 | 62.7 | $101,396 | $1,735/mo | 98 | 24.1 min |
| Lehigh Acres, FLPop. 132,353 | #1282 | 39.2 | $66,890 | $1,657/mo | no data | 38.2 min |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #302 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 | 15.5 min |
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #193 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 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 Heights compare with the rest of Michigan?
Sterling Heights ranks #9 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 10% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Michigan home.
| City | Rank in MI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #1 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #2 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #3 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #4 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #5 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #6 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #7 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 |
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #8 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #9 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #10 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #11 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #12 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #13 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #14 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #15 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #16 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #17 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 |
| Taylor, MIPop. 62,081 | #18 | 45.3 | $61,081 | $1,101/mo | 749 |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #19 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #20 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #21 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #22 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #23 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #24 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 |
All 24 Michigan cities we track, by overall score. Michigan statewide: median income $72,389, violent crime 416.2 per 100,000.
How is Sterling Heights's score calculated?
Sterling Heights scores 56.9 out of 100, #580 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Michigan'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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sterling Heights. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sterling Heights's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
84.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sterling Heights. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sterling Heights's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sterling Heights's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
70.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sterling Heights. Similar-size median 51.2.
54.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sterling Heights. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sterling Heights. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sterling Heights's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
69.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sterling Heights's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sterling Heights 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 Heights
Is Sterling Heights, MI a good place to live?
Sterling Heights ranks #580 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 256 mid-size cities and #9 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.6%, #20 of 205), and trails on high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,292/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $308,784, 16% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #396 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #63 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sterling Heights Police Department. Property crime runs 1,157 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sterling Heights?
The median household in Sterling Heights earns $79,909, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Sterling Heights is $1,292/mo (Census), #517 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,526/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sterling Heights?
The typical home value in Sterling Heights is $308,784, up 1.4% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $274,300.
How are the public schools in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights's 28 public schools graduate 93.6% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $15,169 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sterling Heights?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 5.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights averages 48.7°F over the year, 70°F in summer and 27.1°F in winter, with 35 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sterling Heights walkable?
Sterling Heights scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 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 Heights at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Macomb County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sterling Heights?
Macomb County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights has 133,573 residents. The median resident of Sterling Heights is 41.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #751 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sterling Heights compare with the rest of Michigan?
Sterling Heights ranks #9 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 10% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Sterling Heights?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sterling Heights's population of 133,573 are Pasadena, CA (#783 overall), Dayton, OH (#1289 overall), Kent, WA (#590 overall), New Haven, CT (#833 overall), and Carrollton, TX (#270 overall). Sterling Heights is #580.