CityCheck
CitiesSafetyAskPlan
D+

Is Sterling, Illinois Safe?

Population 14,394 · Safer than 22% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

Sterling is a smaller community of 14,394 people with a D+ safety grade. Crime runs close to the national average for violent offenses, and the overall rate sits at 249.6 per 1,000. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,540 per 100K.

Sterling Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricSterlingIllinois AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate391.3323.6363.8
Property Crime Rate2104.22036.01,832.3
Murder Rate6.0--5.7
Assault Rate231.0--268.2
Theft Rate1540.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate349.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD+

249.6 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeD+

391/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD+

2104/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Sterling

Violent crime in Sterling is close to the national average. The rate of 391.3 per 100K exceeds the national 363.8.

Property crime is close to the national average at 2104.2 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,540 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Sterling Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder6
01.1x national avgAvg: 5.7
Assault231
086% of avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery79
01.2x national avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary270
01.0x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,540
01.1x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft349
01.1x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Sterling Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Sterling
391.3
State
323.6
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Sterling
2104.2
State
2036.0
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling Safety

Is Sterling safe?
Not especially. Sterling earns a D+ with a crime rate of 249.6 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs close to the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Sterling?
249.6 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 391.3 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2104.2 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Sterling safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Sterling's D+ grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,540 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Sterling?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Sterling generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Sterling police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Sterling?
Yes, there's been an uptick. Sterling's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a D+ grade overall.
How does Sterling compare to other cities in Illinois?
Below average for the state. Sterling ranks behind about 86% of Illinois cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.1x the national rate.
How safe is Sterling to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is close to the national average. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in Sterling?
Bad. A D+ grade and 249.6 per-thousand rate put Sterling below 78% of US cities. Violent crime at 391 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Sterling?
391.3 per 100,000, which is 8% above the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (231), robbery (79), and murder (6.0) per 100,000.

Nearby Cities in Illinois

Similar-sized communities in Illinois. Compare crime rates across the state.

C+
See crime rates in Swansea14,356 pop · Grade C+
C-
See crime rates in Channahon14,530 pop · Grade C-
C-
See crime rates in Macomb14,530 pop · Grade C-
C-
See crime rates in Chatham14,579 pop · Grade C-
C
See crime rates in Dixon14,582 pop · Grade C
C-
See crime rates in Mount Vernon14,187 pop · Grade C-
View all Illinois city safety grades

Looking for things to do? See activities, events and places in Sterling

Get weekly safety updates for Sterling

Weekly crime trend updates and safety grade changes delivered to your inbox.

2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

Know before you go

CityCheck covers safety grades, crime data, and things to do for every US city.

Explore cities