Sterling, Illinois

Sterling, Illinois
Theater in Sterling
Interactive map of Sterling, Illinois
Sterling
Sterling
Coordinates: 41°47′32″N 89°43′36″W / 41.79222°N 89.72667°W / 41.79222; -89.72667
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
CountyWhiteside
Area
 • Total
6.16 sq mi (15.96 km2)
 • Land5.95 sq mi (15.40 km2)
 • Water0.22 sq mi (0.57 km2)
Elevation
676 ft (206 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
14,764
 • Density2,483.2/sq mi (958.75/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Code(s)
61081, 61082
Area code815
FIPS code17-72546
GNIS feature ID2395965
WebsiteCity of Sterling Web Site

Sterling is a city in Whiteside County, Illinois, United States, along the Rock River. The population was 14,782 at the 2020 census, down from 15,370 in 2010. Formerly nicknamed "Hardware Capital of the World", the city has long been associated with manufacturing and the steel industry.