Sterling, NE

Population
481
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
1,185 ft
USGS GNIS community points and 3DEP elevation · GNIS 2026-07-06; USGS 3DEP sampled 2026-07-23
Median Home Value
$130,400
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$830/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$70,313
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
General Quality
Overall rating out of 100

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About Sterling

Sterling is a quiet, friendly village of roughly 500 people tucked into the rolling farm country of southeast Nebraska. Located about 45 minutes southeast of Lincoln and a short drive from Tecumseh, it offers a peaceful rural setting with easy access to bigger-city amenities. Founded as a railroad stop in 1870, the town earned its name after local founders flipped a coin to decide who got naming rights. Today, wide-open fields and quiet neighborhood streets give the community an unhurried, comfortable pace.

Daily life here centers around Sterling Public Schools, which educates local students from kindergarten all the way through high school. For outdoor time, residents head a few miles down the road to Wirth Brothers Lake to fish, camp, and walk the trails. Between local school ball games, community get-togethers, and easy weekend trips to regional fairs, Sterling provides a classic small-town environment where neighbors quickly get to know one another.

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