City profile
Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · Population 14,717
Sterling is a town in Whiteside County, IL with about 14,717 residents and a typical home value near $109,000. It is 80 miles from Naperville, IL, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
25°F
Summer avg
74°F
Sunny days / yr
189
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$108,700
Typical monthly housing
$778
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
81
Taxes
- Property tax
- 2.07%
- State income tax (top)
- 4.95%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.86%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 66/100
Top hazards: Drought, Strong wind, Hail
Nearest major airport
93 mi to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 42% Democratic / 56% Republican
Community
Population
14,717
Black population
2.4%
County
Whiteside County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸More retirees are leaving IL than arriving, mostly over cost
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: severe storms
Highlights
- About 14,717 residents
- Typical home value about $109,000
- 80 miles from Naperville, IL
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.