Sterling, IL Housing Market

Market Overview

With a PropertyIQ Score of 61 out of 100, Sterling, IL presents a moderate housing market. The score reflects mixed signals: positive 12-month home value momentum, a recent cooling trend, and a steady but not overheated sales pace. Sterling’s median home value of $146,246 is well below the Illinois state average of $297,573, making local housing comparatively affordable at the price level. At the same time, the local median household income of $64,536 trails the state average of $81,702, which means some of that affordability advantage is offset by lower local earning power.

The score’s top drivers add nuance. Home value momentum over 12 months is 8.03%, while 3-month momentum is -2.37%, showing recent price movement has turned negative. The median days on market is 45 days, and 17.5% of listings have had a price cut. These figures suggest a market where homes still sell within a reasonable window, but sellers sometimes adjust prices to attract buyers. Sterling’s unemployment rate of 4.9% matches the state average, providing local labor market stability even as incomes and home values remain lower than statewide benchmarks. Overall, Sterling reads as a moderate, affordability-oriented market rather than a high-growth or distressed one.

Key Trends

First, price movement is mixed. The 12-month home value momentum of 8.03% shows values have appreciated over the past year, but the 3-month momentum of -2.37% points to a recent pullback. The median home value is $146,