🇺🇸 United States ZIP Code

STANDARD

48659

Sterling

ZIP Code 48659 is a standard zip code serving Sterling, Sterling, Michigan (MI), in Arenac County, United States. It has an estimated population of 2,850 with a median household income of $44,315. The area falls within the America/Detroit timezone.

Median Household Income vs. National Average

Location

Country: 🇺🇸 United States
State / Province: Michigan (MI)
County: Arenac
City: Sterling
Timezone: America/Detroit

Coordinates

Latitude: 44.066900
Longitude: -84.050500

Geographic Details

Land Area: 79.70 mi²
Water Area: 0.30 mi²
Population Density: 36.0 people per mi² (30th percentile)
Bounding Box: 44.161992°N, 43.984063°S, -83.903007°E, -84.166450°W

With 2,850 residents spread across 79.70 square miles, this area has a population density of 36.0 people per square mile.

Demographics

2,850

Population

45th percentile

$44,315

Median Income

40th percentile

$92,400

Median Home Value

30th percentile

79.70 mi²

Land Area

The median household income in 48659 is $44,315, and the median home value is $92,400.

Housing

1,339

Total Units

1,077

Occupied Units

80.4%

Occupancy Rate

Similar ZIP Codes in Michigan

ZIP codes with similar median household income in Michigan.

49664

Maple City

$47,557

49777

Presque Isle

$48,214

49247

Hudson

$43,022

49655

Leroy

$41,853

48426

Decker

$41,563

49519

Wyoming

$44,291

49203

Jackson

$40,827

49601

Cadillac

$42,090

Frequently Asked Questions

What information is available for each ZIP code?

Each ZIP code page shows city, state, county, geographic coordinates, timezone, population, median household income, median home value, housing units, land area, population density, commute time, educational attainment, area codes, and ZIP code type (Standard, PO Box, or Unique).

What are the different types of ZIP codes?

There are three types of ZIP codes: Standard (residential and commercial delivery areas), PO Box (assigned to post office box sections), and Unique (assigned to a single high-volume address like a government agency or large company). Standard ZIP codes are the most common.

How often is ZIP code data updated?

ZIP code assignments are updated quarterly by the USPS. Demographic data comes from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which releases new 5-year estimates annually. ZipFYI updates its data to reflect the latest available information.

What is population density and why does it matter?

Population density measures the number of people per square mile in a ZIP code area. It helps identify urban vs. rural areas, affects real estate values, impacts service availability, and is used in market analysis. Dense urban ZIP codes may have 50,000+ people per square mile.

How are ZIP code boundaries determined?

ZIP code boundaries are determined by the USPS based on mail delivery routes, not political or geographic boundaries. They follow carrier routes and may cross city, county, or even state lines. Boundaries can change when the USPS reorganizes delivery operations.

What does median household income tell me about a ZIP code?

Median household income is the middle value when all household incomes in a ZIP code are sorted. Half of households earn more and half earn less. It is a better indicator of typical earnings than average income, which can be skewed by very high or very low outliers.