Population
10,000 - 25,000
~21,138 residents
Median Income
$57,618
Household median
Home Value
$109,800
Median price
Area Type
Suburban
124.4 sq mi
Location
Detailed Information
Demographics
- Population Range:
- 10,000 - 25,000
- Median Income:
- $57,618
- Classification:
- Suburban
Housing Market
- Median Value:
- $109,800
- Price Range:
- $100,000 - $125,000
- Land Area:
- 124.4 sq mi
Data Quality: 100%
ExcellentData from US Census Bureau 2023 • US Census Bureau
Zillow Home Value Index
Real-time market data powered by Zillow • Updated October 2025
Metro Area: Sterling, IL
Typical Home Value in 61081
Price Appreciation
Historical Price Trend
Historical home values show market trends over time. Values are smoothed and seasonally adjusted.
Investment Insight
💡 Note: Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Consider local market factors, job growth, and development plans when evaluating real estate investments.
Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) data provided by Zillow Group. ZHVI represents the typical home value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. Data is updated monthly and reflects market trends as of October 31, 2025.
Median Income
$57,618
vs state avg
Median Home Value
$109,800
vs state avg
Population
21,138
Suburban
Quality of Life
83/100
Excellent
What's It Like to Live in Sterling?
Key insights about ZIP 61081 at a glance
Population
21,138
Suburban community
Median Income
$58k
Household earnings
Median Home Value
$110k
Housing market
Affordability
1.9
Price-to-income ratio
Your Day in Sterling
Start your day with quality education options in Sterling
Explore local shops and restaurants in Sterling
Unwind in green spaces and community areas in Sterling
Quick Compare
See how this stacks up
Explore Sterling, IL
Visual guide to life in this area
Economy & Employment
Job market and economic indicators
Median Household Income
$57,618
Median Home Value
$109,800
Home-to-Income Ratio
1.9x
Education & Schools
Educational opportunities and demographics in 61081
Local Schools
Sterling offers diverse educational opportunities for all ages
85%
Estimated graduates
4650
School-age residents
School Quality
Above Average
Based on area demographics
Healthcare & Wellness
Medical facilities and health resources in your area
Quality Healthcare Access
Sterling area has multiple medical facilities serving the community
5-10
Healthcare facilities nearby
< 5mi
Average distance to hospital
Parks & Recreation
Outdoor spaces and recreational activities
Community Parks
Multiple green spaces and recreational facilities for families
Parks
3-5 nearby
Sports
Fields & courts
Trails
Walking paths
Events
Community gatherings
Shopping & Dining
Retail, restaurants, and local businesses
Local Shopping
Sterling offers diverse shopping and dining experiences
Restaurants
20+ dining options
Retail Stores
Major & local shops
Cafes & More
Local favorites
Pros & Cons of Living in ZIP 61081
Advantages
- Affordable housing with median home value at $109,800
- Suburban setting balances urban access and residential calm
- Strong affordability with home prices around 1.9x median income
Considerations
- Below-average median income compared to state
Living in Sterling, IL 61081
Sterling offers a unique lifestyle in the heart of IL. This suburban community provides residents with a close-knit community feel.
Spacious Living
Large lots, privacy, and connection to nature.
Car-Dependent
Personal vehicle necessary for most daily activities.
Community Feel
Active neighborhood associations and local events.
Who Lives Here
Working class families, young professionals, and service industry workers.
Lifestyle & Activities
Rural residents who appreciate open spaces, privacy, and connection to nature.
Household Composition
Predominantly families with children, along with empty nesters and some young professionals.
What's Life Like Here? (AI Insights)
Data & Demographics
Demographic Distribution
Age Distribution
Education Levels
ZIP 61081 by the Numbers
Interactive data visualizations for Suburban living
Total Population
0
Median Income
$0
Home Value
$0
Quality Score
0/100
Comparative Metrics
21.1% of max (100,000)
38.4% of max (150,000)
13.7% of max (800,000)
61.89
out of 100
Affordability
42.28
out of 100
Community Size
38.41
out of 100
Economic Strength
Transportation & Commute
Average commute time is approximately 30 minutes, typical for suburban areas.
Distance to Major Cities
Regional Hub
15-40 miles
25-60 min
drive time
Note: Commute times are estimates and may vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific locations.
Weather & Climate
Climate Type
Varied regional climate
Seasonal Pattern
Four distinct seasons with typical North American weather patterns
Weather Highlights
- Seasonal variety
- Regional weather characteristics
- Diverse outdoor activities
Discover Sterling Amenities
Everything you need, right in your neighborhood
Schools
12+ locations
Healthcare
8+ locations
Shopping
50+ locations
Parks
15+ locations
How Does Sterling Stack Up?
See how ZIP 61081 compares to state and national averages
Income Comparison
Home Value Comparison
Ready to Explore More?
Compare Sterling with other areas or find your perfect ZIP code match
Living Here: Pros & Cons (AI Analysis)
Who Lives Here?
Community Profile
ZIP code 61081 in Sterling, IL (Whiteside) is a established community with approximately 21,138 residents. The area is classified as suburban, offering a balance of convenience and space.
Income Demographics
The median household income is $57,618, which is around national average. This suggests a community with diverse economic backgrounds and accessible cost of living.
Fun Fact: Suburban areas are popular with families looking for good schools and community feel.
Housing & Rent
Median Home Value
$109,800
Affordable Market
Est. Monthly Rent
$439
Typical 2-3BR
Market Overview
The housing market in ZIP 61081 is excellent for first-time buyers and investors. With a median home value of $109,800, this area offers attractive opportunities for buyers at various price points.
Rent vs Buy
Renting in this ZIP code typically costs around $439/month for a 2-3 bedroom home. The moderate rental prices make this area accessible for both renters and buyers.
Jobs & Income
Median Household Income
$57,618
Per Year
Job Market
Sterling offers a diverse job market with opportunities primarily in retail, education, healthcare, and corporate. Many residents commute to nearby city centers while enjoying suburban living.
Commute & Transportation
Average commute times in this area are approximately 25-35 minutes. Most residents drive to work, with access to major highways and roads.
Schools Overview
School Quality
ZIP code 61081 in Sterling, IL generally features a mix of school quality and programs. The area's varied school ratings make it suitable for families seeking quality education options.
Education Options
Families in this ZIP code typically have access to public schools, private institutions, and charter options. Suburban schools often feature strong extracurricular programs and community involvement.
Is ZIP 61081 a Good Place to Live?
Whether ZIP code 61081 in Sterling, IL is right for you depends on your priorities. Here's a balanced look:
Pros
- ✓Balance of space and convenience
- ✓Affordable housing options
Cons
- ⚠May require commuting for work
The Bottom Line
ZIP code 61081 is perfect for families and professionals seeking community, space, and quality of life. Consider visiting the area and exploring nearby neighborhoods to get a true feel for the lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
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