Sterling city, Kansas Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Sterling city, Kansas has a total population of 2,396, the 107th largest city in Kansas, with a median household income of $51,304, which is 29% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.9%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.9% — among the lowest in Kansas.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%.
Sterling city Quick Facts
How Sterling city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Sterling city Rankings in Kansas
Explore Kansas Rankings
Other Cities in Rice County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyons city | 3,562 | $66,769 | 8.3% | $104,200 |
Cities Similar to Sterling city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neodesha city | 2,311 | $48,532 | $88,500 | 23.6% | 16.2% |
| Anthony city | 2,228 | $51,047 | $57,000 | 19.8% | 17.3% |
| Council Grove city | 2,487 | $56,211 | $131,500 | 28.0% | 12.4% |
| Burlington city | 2,615 | $52,083 | $134,100 | 23.5% | 11.8% |
| Hoisington city | 2,660 | $50,344 | $78,800 | 24.1% | 15.1% |
Population Overview
Sterling city is a small community located in Kansas, within Rice County. The total population is 2,396. It ranks as the 107th most populous out of 726 cities and towns in Kansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Sterling city is 27.7 years. This is 26% lower than the state median of 37.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Sterling city is $51,304. This is 29% lower than the state median of $72,639. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%. This is 57% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 1.9%. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $130,200. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $203,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Sterling city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 75.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 66.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Sterling city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.3%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.
Education
36.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 3% higher than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.6%. Notably, 16.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Sterling city, Kansas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Kansas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 726 Census-designated places in Kansas. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sterling city, Kansas?
Sterling city, Kansas has a population of 2,396 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Sterling city, KS?
The median household income in Sterling city is $51,304, which is 35% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Sterling city, KS?
The poverty rate in Sterling city is 4.9%. This means approximately 93 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Sterling city, Kansas?
Sterling city's population is 85.3% White, 4.2% Black, 7.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Sterling city, KS?
The median home value in Sterling city is $130,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x.
How educated is Sterling city, Kansas?
36.1% of adults (25+) in Sterling city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 16.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.