City profile
Sterling, VA
Fairfax city · Population 32,411
Sterling is a town in Fairfax city, VA with about 32,411 residents and a typical home value near $526,000. It is 24 miles from Alexandria, VA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
37°F
Summer avg
79°F
Sunny days / yr
205
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$526,000
Typical monthly housing
$3,256
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
121
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.91%
- State income tax (top)
- 5.75%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 5.77%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 78/100
Top hazards: Heat wave, Winter weather, Lightning
Nearest major airport
5 mi to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 65% Democratic / 32% Republican
Community
Population
32,411
Black population
7.4%
County
Fairfax city
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: coastal flooding (Tidewater)
Highlights
- About 32,411 residents
- Typical home value about $526,000
- 24 miles from Alexandria, VA
Trade-offs
- 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.