Sterling ZIP Code List — Arenac County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Sterling, Michigan and it is 48659. Area code: 989.

ZIP codes

76.13

sq mi land

0.31

sq mi water

989

area code

Sterling, MI ZIP code map

About Sterling, MI

Sterling, located in Arenac County, Michigan, is a quaint city known for its serene countryside and close-knit community. The city embodies the charm of Midwestern living, providing both a peaceful environment and access to outdoor activities. With its small-town feel, Sterling offers residents a simpler lifestyle while still being close to larger urban areas.

Location & geography

Sterling is situated in the northeastern region of Michigan, surrounded by expansive natural landscapes. It lies approximately 15 miles southeast of the larger city of West Branch and about 20 miles northwest of Standish, making it accessible while still maintaining its rural charm. The town covers a land area of 76.13 square miles, with a small water area of 0.31 square miles, contributing to its spacious outdoor environments.

Community & economy

The community of Sterling exhibits a friendly and welcoming character, largely influenced by its rural surroundings and local culture. Residents enjoy a calm lifestyle with various recreational opportunities, such as fishing, hiking, and community events. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture and small businesses, which fosters a strong sense of local pride and sustainability.

Transportation

Sterling is conveniently located near major highways, including M-76, which provides easy access to neighboring towns and cities. The nearest commercial airport is located in nearby Midland, which is approximately 35 miles away. Local transport options are limited, but residents often rely on personal vehicles for travel around the area.

History

Founded in the late 19th century, Sterling was developed primarily as a farming community in the heart of Arenac County. Over the years, its key industries have included agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, contributing to the city's growth and stability. Notable events in the area often center around local festivals that celebrate Sterling's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Sterling is its proximity to a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, including the nearby Rifle River, which is popular for canoeing and fishing. Additionally, Sterling is known for its stunning stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution in the area.

ZIP codes for Sterling, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
48659	Sterling	Arenac	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,643

Population

40.6

Median age

$56,279

Median household income

$24,651

Per capita income

$110,700

Median home value

$834

Median monthly rent

86.8%

Home ownership

11.2%

Poverty rate

5.7%

Unemployment

1,127

Housing units

11.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

182

25–34

168

150

35–44

139

148

45–54

136

55–59

129

60–64

119

168

65–74

154

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	608	23.0%
18 and over	2,035	77.0%
65 and over	485	18.4%
Median age	40.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96.1%

Two or more races 3.1%

Hispanic or Latino 0.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.3%

Black or African American 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	2,549	96.1%
Two or more races	82	3.1%
Hispanic or Latino	9	0.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	7	0.3%
Black or African American	5	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.5%

$10k–$15k 6.2%

$15k–$25k 5.5%

$25k–$35k 12.4%

$35k–$50k 15.1%

$50k–$75k 30.9%

$75k–$100k 11.3%

$100k–$150k 11.3%

$150k–$200k 3.0%

$200k+ 1.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.5%
$10k–$15k	6.2%
$15k–$25k	5.5%
$25k–$35k	12.4%
$35k–$50k	15.1%
$50k–$75k	30.9%
$75k–$100k	11.3%
$100k–$150k	11.3%
$150k–$200k	3.0%
$200k+	1.7%
Median income	$56,279

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 17.9%

$50k–$100k 25.2%

$100k–$150k 27.1%

$150k–$200k 10.9%

$200k–$300k 13.0%

$300k–$500k 4.7%

$500k–$1M 0.4%

$1M+ 0.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$110,700
Median rent / month	$834
Owner occupied	86.8%
Renter occupied	13.2%
Vacant	24.0%
Single-family detached	79.2%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	19.6%
Median rooms	6.3
Avg household size (owned)	2.74

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	0.9%
2000–2009	8.5%
1990–1999	17.6%
1980–1989	24.0%
1970–1979	21.2%
1960–1969	6.2%
1950–1959	3.3%
1940–1949	5.0%
1939 or earlier	12.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.3%
1 bedroom	5.3%
2 bedrooms	22.9%
3 bedrooms	56.1%
4 bedrooms	11.2%
5+ bedrooms	4.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.7%
1 vehicle	25.2%
2 vehicles	40.1%
3 or more	31.0%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	15.7%
Electricity	5.7%
Propane / LP gas	51.9%
Fuel oil	1.8%
Wood	22.7%
No fuel used	0.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	549	57.7%
Cohabiting couple	64	6.7%
Male householder, no spouse	170	17.9%
Female householder, no spouse	169	17.8%
Households with children under 18	308	32.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	300	31.5%
Average household size	2.72

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	30.1%	20.8%
Married	55.0%	58.6%
Separated	0.2%	0.6%
Widowed	2.6%	8.4%
Divorced	12.0%	11.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.9%

Some HS, no diploma 9.1%

HS graduate 45.8%

Some college, no degree 21.0%

Associate's degree 10.5%

Bachelor's degree 8.8%

Graduate / professional 2.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	89.0%
Bachelor's or higher	11.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	34	6.0%
Kindergarten	20	3.5%
Elementary school	294	51.9%
High school	138	24.4%
College / grad school	80	14.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 20.9%

Education & healthcare 18.8%

Retail trade 8.7%

Construction 7.7%

Transportation & utilities 6.7%

Agriculture & mining 6.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.5%

Wholesale trade 6.0%

Public administration 5.4%

Professional & management 4.7%

Other services 4.3%

Finance & real estate 2.7%

Information 1.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	21.9%
Service	19.0%
Sales & office	20.7%
Natural resources & construction	14.5%
Production & transportation	24.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.3%
Government	11.9%
Self-employed	6.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	83.0%
Carpool	6.2%
Public transit	0.4%
Walk	1.3%
Other means	0.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	25.4

Poverty

All people 11.2%

Under 18 years 7.1%

18 and over 12.5%

Married-couple families 7.8%

Female-led households 7.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	39.5%
Retirement income	22.0%
Supplemental Security	5.9%
Cash public assistance	2.7%
Food stamps / SNAP	17.5%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	35.6%
High cholesterol	35.2%
Heart disease	7.9%
Stroke	3.6%
Asthma	11.3%
Arthritis	31.7%
Kidney disease	3.2%
Pulmonary disease	9.4%
Cancer	7.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.3%
No physical activity	23.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	34.5%
Fair or poor health	17.1%
Poor mental health	17.2%
Poor physical health	12.6%
No health insurance	10.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.0%
Visited dentist	64.2%
Cholesterol screening	90.2%
Teeth loss	15.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	150	7.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	18.1%
Under 18	6.1%
18–64 years	16.4%
65 and over	40.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	61.2%
Public insurance	48.0%
Uninsured under 19	2.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,505	94.8%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,640	99.9%
Born in same state	2,637	99.8%
Born in different state	2,384	90.2%
Foreign born	3	0.1%
Naturalized citizen	3	0.1%
Not a US citizen	3	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	394	14.9%
French	229	8.7%
Arab	121	4.6%
German	66	2.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Irish	54	2%
Polish	28	1.1%
English	23	0.9%
Norwegian	5	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.0%
Internet access	90.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Sterling, MI?

Sterling, MI has one ZIP code: 48659.

What is the main ZIP code for Sterling, MI?

The primary ZIP code for Sterling, MI is 48659. The city uses area code 989 for phone service.

What county is Sterling, MI in?

Sterling is located in Arenac County, Michigan.

How many ZIP codes are in Sterling, MI?

Sterling, MI has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for Sterling, Michigan's downtown area and business district?

Sterling's downtown and business district is located in ZIP code 48659, which serves as the central hub for this Arenac County community.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing packages to businesses and residences in Sterling, MI?

All mail addresses in Sterling, Michigan use the ZIP code 48659, as this is the only ZIP code that serves the entire city.