Sterling Heights, MI Census Data
The 4th largest city in Michigan by population · 24 cities ranked
Sterling Heights is the 4th largest city in Michigan by population and ranks 8th of 24 for median household income. With 133,473 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 15 other Michigan cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
133,473
48.9% male · 51.1% female
Median Age
41.5
2.8 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$78,429
$109 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
31.2%
3.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 87.5%
Poverty Rate
10.6%
1.8% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.8%
Broadband Access
95.7%
6.0% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$260,700
Median rent: $1,267 · 76% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
Labor force participation: 57.9%
Per Capita Income
$40,905
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.0%
Disability rate: 13.6%
How Sterling Heights Compares to Other Michigan Cities
Rankings among all 24 Michigan cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 24 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 8th of 24 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 24 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 13th of 24 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 24 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Sterling Heights, MI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sterling Heights, MI?
The population of Sterling Heights, MI is 133,473 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 41.5 years.
What is the median household income in Sterling Heights?
The median household income in Sterling Heights, MI is $78,429, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $40,905.
What is the poverty rate in Sterling Heights?
The poverty rate in Sterling Heights, MI is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Sterling Heights residents have a college degree?
31.2% of adults (25+) in Sterling Heights hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 87.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Sterling Heights?
The median home value in Sterling Heights, MI is $260,700. Median rent is $1,267 per month, with 76% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights's population is 78.9% White, 6.6% Black, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Sterling Heights rank among Michigan cities?
Sterling Heights is the 4th largest city in Michigan by population, the 8th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 13th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 24 ranked Michigan cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Sterling Heights?
The unemployment rate in Sterling Heights, MI is 6.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.9%. Per capita income is $40,905.
Cities Similar to Sterling Heights
Other Michigan cities with comparable population and income levels.