Cost of Living in Sterling Heights, MI
Population: 133,473 • 2026 Data
$78,429
Median Household Income
+1% vs national
$1,267
Median Monthly Rent
-6% vs national
$260,700
Median Home Value
-23% vs national
6.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Sterling Heights
The median home value in Sterling Heights, MI is $260,700. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,267, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,243.
Rent-to-income ratio: 19.4%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Sterling Heights, MI is $78,429. The unemployment rate stands at 6.2%, with a labor force of 68,559 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.