Sterling County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Sterling County, Texas had a population of 1,372. The median age is approximately 38 years. About 51% of the population is male and 49% female. Racially, the county is 85.2% White, 0.8% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 10.8% from other races, with 25.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The population has remained stable, reflecting its rural and predominantly non-Hispanic White composition.

Sterling County, Texas, had 770 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local offices, with the majority voting Republican—Donald Trump won 92% of the vote in 2020. The county typically has one main polling location, the Sterling County Community Center in Sterling City. Key issues include agriculture, water, and rural infrastructure. Voter turnout often exceeds 70%. Elections are administered by the county clerk’s office. Political parties active include the Republican and Democratic parties, with the GOP being dominant.

Sterling County, TX, primarily served by Sterling City Independent School District, features one public K-12 school: Sterling City School, with an enrollment around 300 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 96%. Only about 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is strong, with minimal reported incidents. The district scores 7/10 on GreatSchools. Educational programs include athletics, FFA, and dual-credit college courses. Adult education opportunities are limited, with residents often relying on nearby communities or online programs for continuing education.

Sterling County, TX, had an employment rate of about 59% (2022 ACS data), with roughly 545 civilians in the labor force. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (27%), educational services, and health care (16%). The leading occupations are management (23%), farming, fishing, and forestry (20%), and construction (13%). The median commute time is around 17 minutes, with 81% driving alone to work. Most residents are employed within the county, while some commute to neighboring counties such as Tom Green and Coke.

Sterling County, TX, has a homeownership rate of around 83%, with median home values near $90,000 and median monthly rents about $650. The housing market remains stable, with modest appreciation over recent years. Most homes are single-family houses, and apartments are limited. Notable neighborhoods include Sterling City and its rural outskirts, offering quiet, spacious living. Annual property taxes average about 1.4% of home value, keeping total tax bills under $1,500 for most homeowners. The area is characterized by affordable housing and a strong preference for owner-occupied residences.

Sterling County, TX, is known for its low crime rate. According to recent data, the county reported fewer than 5 total crimes per year, with a violent crime rate of 0.0 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1.1 per 1,000 residents—well below state and national averages. Local law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and prompt incident reporting. Overall, Sterling County is considered very safe, offering residents a secure environment and minimal risk of serious crime.