According to the 2020 Census, Sterling Heights’ population grew by 4,647 people, or 3.6 percent, in the last 10 years. The City’s total population is now 134,346.
The data also demonstrates that Sterling Heights continues to become more diverse with a 31.2 percent increase in Black, 29.8 percent increase in Hispanic, 25.5 percent increase in Asian and 86.1 percent increase in multi-racial populations.
“This Census data is great news as it represents an increase in federal funding of roughly $83.6 million over the next 10 years for programs our residents use every day like Medicaid, student loans, nutrition programs, road construction, low-income housing, Community Development Block Grants and more,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “In addition, the increase in diversity among those choosing to call Sterling Heights home demonstrates that the work we are doing to create a safe and welcoming community for all is paying off.”
In addition to a growing diversity in race and ethnicity, the 2019 American Community Survey data shows a younger population is moving to Sterling Heights. Between 2000 and 2010, those between the ages of 20 and 34 had dropped by 4.5 percent in Sterling Heights, but that trend has reversed.
“In 2014, we were approaching Sterling Heights’ 50th birthday and began reviewing demographic data as a part of our Visioning 2030 process,” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool. “We could see our community was aging, and that’s a big part of the reason the Recreating Recreation proposal was brought forth as a way to create a vibrant City with an exceptional quality of life that would appeal to young people and families. I’m proud to say we’re seeing positive results from our efforts. Not only did we reverse the trend of decreasing young people in our community, but between 2010 and 2019, those aged 20-34 increased by nearly 15 percent in Sterling Heights.”
Other highlights from the 2020 Census and 2019 American Community Survey include:
- An increase of 1,065 housing units and a nearly two percent decrease in housing vacancy.
- A nearly three percent increase in the number of residents who have an associate degree or higher.
- A household income of $100,000 or more for nearly 30 percent of our households.
- A median household income of $64,833 which is higher than Southeast Michigan’s and the state of Michigan’s median household income.
- A value of $200,000 or more for the majority of our 71 percent owner-occupied housing units.
Mayor Taylor believes the City’s strong property values are reflective of a strong local economy.
“Strong property values and low taxes continue to make Sterling Heights an attractive community for homeowners and businesses,” Mayor Taylor said. “Proactive economic development initiatives offered from the City have led to billions of dollars in manufacturing investments, which have in turn generated new jobs and a demand for housing. I have a feeling we’ll continue to see our SEV grow in Sterling Heights in the coming years.”