Sterling CDP, Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Sterling CDP, Virginia has a total population of 31,251, the 35th largest city in Virginia, with a median household income of $125,753, which is 38% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Virginia.
Sterling CDP Quick Facts
How Sterling CDP Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 60 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Sterling CDP Rankings in Virginia
Explore Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Sterling CDP
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield CDP | 30,894 | $123,691 | $622,200 | 45.0% | 7.8% |
| West Falls Church CDP | 30,660 | $131,236 | $658,700 | 53.5% | 7.8% |
| Tysons CDP | 28,022 | $129,189 | $640,500 | 79.7% | 6.7% |
| Short Pump CDP | 28,177 | $132,194 | $543,000 | 73.9% | 4.4% |
| Fair Oaks CDP | 35,472 | $119,387 | $580,500 | 69.5% | 5.5% |
Population Overview
Sterling CDP is a mid-sized community located in Virginia. The total population is 31,251. It ranks as the 35th most populous out of 681 cities and towns in Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Sterling CDP is 34.8 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 38.8 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Sterling CDP is $125,753. This is 38% higher than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 60% higher. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%. This is 32% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 9% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $508,400. Housing costs are 41% higher than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 75.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 67.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Sterling CDP is Hispanic or Latino, making up 49.9% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 28.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (28.0%) is well below the state average of 59.0%. The Black or African American population (6.3%) is well below the state average of 18.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (49.9% vs 10.7%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (13.5% vs 6.8%).
Education
37.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 41.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 79.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Sterling CDP, Virginia 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 Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 681 Census-designated places in Virginia. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sterling CDP, Virginia?
Sterling CDP, Virginia has a population of 31,251 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Sterling CDP, VA?
The median household income in Sterling CDP is $125,753, which is 60% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Sterling CDP, VA?
The poverty rate in Sterling CDP is 6.8%. This means approximately 2,105 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Sterling CDP, Virginia?
Sterling CDP's population is 28.0% White, 6.3% Black, 49.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 13.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Sterling CDP, VA?
The median home value in Sterling CDP is $508,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x.
How educated is Sterling CDP, Virginia?
37.3% of adults (25+) in Sterling CDP hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.