Editing Sterling Heights, Michigan

{{Short description|City in Michigan, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Sterling Heights, Michigan
| nickname           = 
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| motto              = To Strive on Behalf of All
| image_skyline      = Sterling Heights City Hall.jpg
| imagesize          = 275
| image_caption      = Sterling Heights City Hall
| image_flag         = 
| flag_size          = 
| image_seal         = 
| seal_size          = 
| image_shield       = 
| shield_size        = 
| image_blank_emblem = Sterling Heights, Michigan logo.svg
| blank_emblem_size  = 150
| pushpin_map        = Michigan#USA
| pushpin_label_position = left<!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| pushpin_label      = Sterling Heights
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| pushpin_mapsize    = 
| image_map          = Sterling Heights, MI location.png
| mapsize            = 250
| map_caption        = Location within [[Macomb County, Michigan|Macomb County]]
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Michigan]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Michigan|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Macomb County, Michigan|Macomb]]
| subdivision_type3  = 
| subdivision_name3  = 
| subdivision_type4  = 
| subdivision_name4  = 
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Michael C. Taylor (I)
| leader_title1      = [[City manager]]
| leader_name1       = Mark D. Vanderpool
| leader_title2      = [[City Council]]
| leader_name2       = {{collapsible list|bullets=yes
 | title = Members
 | Liz Sierawski (D) - Mayor Pro Tem
 | Deanna Koski (I) - At Large
 | Michael V. Radtke Jr (D)- At Large
 | Maria G. Schimidt (I)- At Large
 | [[Henry Yanez]] (D)- At Large
 | Barbara A. Ziarko (D) - At Large
 }}
| leader_title3      = 
| leader_name3       = 
| leader_title4      = 
| leader_name4       = 
| established_title  = Incorporated
| established_date   = 1968 (city)
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2022">{{cite web |title=2022 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Michigan |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2022_Gazetteer/2022_gaz_place_26.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=June 16, 2023 |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616110024/https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2022_Gazetteer/2022_gaz_place_26.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 95.10
| area_land_km2      = 94.40
| area_water_km2     = 0.70
| area_total_sq_mi   = 36.72
| area_land_sq_mi    = 36.45
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.27
| area_water_percent = 
| area_urban_km2     = 
| area_urban_sq_mi   = 
| area_metro_km2     = 
| area_metro_sq_mi   = 
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=&g=1600000US2676460&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1| title=P1. Race – Sterling Heights city, Michigan: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=June 16, 2023| archive-date=June 16, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616192457/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=&g=1600000US2676460&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1| url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_total   = 134346
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_est     = 
| population_density_km2 = 1423.18
| population_density_sq_mi = 3686.06
| population_metro   = 
| population_density_metro_km2 = 
| population_density_metro_sq_mi = 
| population_urban   = 
| population_density_urban_km2 = 
| population_density_urban_sq_mi = 
| population_blank1_title = 
| population_blank1  = 
| population_density_blank1_km2 = 
| population_density_blank1_sq_mi = 
| timezone           = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| utc_offset         = &minus;5
| timezone_DST       = EDT
| utc_offset_DST     = &minus;4
| coordinates        = {{coord|42|34|47|N|83|01|41|W|region:US-MI|display=inline}}
| elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use  tags-->
| elevation_m        = 187
| elevation_ft       = 614
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 48310, 48311, 48312, 48313, 48314
| area_code          = [[Area code 586|586]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS]] code
| blank_info         = 26-76460<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709054630/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0638798<ref>{{Cite GNIS|0638798|Sterling Heights}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|www.sterling-heights.net}}
}}

'''Sterling Heights''' is a city in [[Macomb County, Michigan|Macomb County]] in the U.S. state of [[Michigan]]. A northern [[Metro Detroit|suburb of Detroit]], Sterling Heights is located roughly {{convert|18|mi|km|1}} north of [[downtown Detroit]]. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 134,346, placing Sterling Heights as the second-largest suburb of Detroit, and the [[List of municipalities in Michigan|fourth-most populous city in Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sterlingheightscitymichigan/POP010220 |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Sterling Heights city, Michigan |publisher=Census.gov |date= |accessdate=2022-07-19 |archive-date=2022-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815140027/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sterlingheightscitymichigan/POP010220 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
As a result of the [[War of 1812]] and the 1817 [[Treaty of Fort Meigs]], the area of the [[Michigan Territory]] which now makes up Sterling Heights was first surveyed by Deputy Surveyor Joseph Wampler; his survey was approved on February 20, 1818.<ref>{{cite web |title=Survey Details - BLM GLO Records |url=https://glorecords.blm.gov/details/survey/default.aspx?dm_id=26465&sid=ixm4sm01.3pk |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=glorecords.blm.gov |archive-date=2022-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815044705/https://glorecords.blm.gov/details/survey/default.aspx?dm_id=26465&sid=ixm4sm01.3pk |url-status=live }}</ref> Wampler had been one of two deputy surveyors of [[Perrysburg, Ohio]], in 1816.
[[File:SterlingHeightsNameChanges.png|thumb|Acts which created & modified Sterling Township]]
Originally created as part of [[Shelby Charter Township, Michigan|Shelby Township]] in April 1827,<ref>"An act to divide the several counties in this Territory into Townships, and for other purposes" - Laws of the Territory of Michigan, Volume 2, Pgs. 478-479</ref> it was broken off as Jefferson Township in March 1835.<ref>"An Act organizing certain townships" - Laws of the Territory of Michigan, Volume 3, pgs. 1367-1369</ref> In March 1838, it was renamed Sterling Township.<ref>"An Act to organize certain townships and for other purposes" - Acts of the Michigan Legislature adjourned session of 1837, regular session of 1838; pgs. 76-84</ref>

Until the 1950s, Sterling Township was an agricultural area, largely devoted to growing [[rhubarb]] and other crops sold in Detroit.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sterling Heights, MI - Official Website|url=https://www.sterling-heights.net/Archive.aspx?AMID=43|access-date=2021-01-12|website=www.sterling-heights.net|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122184913/https://sterling-heights.net/Archive.aspx?AMID=43|url-status=live}}</ref> Road improvements led to decreased commute times and lower costs for the delivery of goods and services to and from businesses. The population increased when suburban homes were built for the workers in metropolitan Detroit's booming automobile industry. When Sterling Township was [[incorporation (municipal government)|incorporated]] as a city in 1968, "Heights" was added to the name to satisfy a state law that prevents incorporated municipalities from having the same name, as there was already a small village named [[Sterling, Michigan|Sterling]] in [[Arenac County, Michigan|Arenac County]].<ref>[https://www.sterling-heights.net/bins/site/templates/default.asp?area_2=pages/comm/history/pre-cityhistory/pre-cityhistory_506.dat&area_1=pages/nav/comm/history/history.dat&area_3=0.dat&area_0=0.dat&area_8=0.dat&objectid=BEB01220&ml_index=2&NC=758X Pre-City History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628204002/https://www.sterling-heights.net/bins/site/templates/default.asp?area_2=pages%2Fcomm%2Fhistory%2Fpre-cityhistory%2Fpre-cityhistory_506.dat&area_1=pages%2Fnav%2Fcomm%2Fhistory%2Fhistory.dat&area_3=0.dat&area_0=0.dat&area_8=0.dat&objectid=BEB01220&ml_index=2&NC=758X|date=2014-06-28}}, The Official Site of the City of Sterling Heights</ref>

Gerald Donovan became the first mayor of the city and F. James Dunlop became the first mayor [[Pro tempore|pro-tempore]]. In the 1960s and 1970s, many residents came to live in Sterling Heights to work in automobile plants operated by [[Chrysler]] and [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]. [[Lakeside Mall]] opened in Sterling Heights in 1976.

The city is home to many groups of immigrants. It has received many people of eastern European origins, including ethnic Albanians, Bosnians, Croatians, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Poles, Serbians and Slovenians.<ref name="DublinMurray" /> After the 2003 [[2003 invasion of Iraq|U.S.-Iraqi War]], millions of Iraqi citizens were displaced, particularly [[Assyrians]], whom the majority of which adhere to the [[Chaldean Catholic Church]]. Of these, 30,000-50,000 resettled in Sterling Heights, giving parts of the city the nickname "Little Nineveh", especially around 15 Mile Road and Ryan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.secondwavemedia.com/metromode/features/SterlingHeightsChaldean0227.aspx|title=Little Baghdad in Sterling Heights|first=Nicole|last=Rupersburg|date=October 6, 2011|website=Metromode|language=en|access-date=2020-04-25|archive-date=2021-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529183942/https://www.secondwavemedia.com/metromode/features/SterlingHeightsChaldean0227.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hourdetroit.com/art-and-entertainment/weam-namou-iraqi-american-author/|title=The Story Iraqi-American Author Weam Namou Almost Did Not Tell|last=Namou|first=Weam|date=2019-11-26|work=[[Hour Detroit Magazine]]|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-25|archive-date=2020-08-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820093720/https://www.hourdetroit.com/art-and-entertainment/weam-namou-iraqi-american-author/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Geography==
Sterling Heights is a second-ring suburb, {{convert|14|to|20|mi}} north of [[downtown Detroit]]. The city's southern border is {{convert|6|mi|0}} from Detroit's northern border. The shape of the city is six miles long and miles wide.<ref name=DublinMurray>Murray, Dublin. "Teen-age strife in Detroit suburb reflects ethnic conflicts of Yugoslavia's civil war." ''[[Baltimore Sun]]''. December 22, 1991. p. [https://www.baltimoresun.com/1991/12/22/11-republics-sign-pact-for-new-grouping-issue-of-control-of-soviet-nuclear-arms-left-open/ 1]. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20141130012018/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-12-22/news/1991356023_1_ethnic-albanians-yugos-albos Archive]). Retrieved on September 28, 2014.</ref> It is bordered to the south by the city of [[Warren, Michigan|Warren]], at its southwest corner by [[Madison Heights, Michigan|Madison Heights]], to the west by [[Troy, Michigan|Troy]], to the north by [[Utica, Michigan|Utica]] and [[Shelby Charter Township, Michigan|Shelby Township]], at its northeast corner by [[Macomb Township, Michigan|Macomb Township]], to the east by [[Clinton Charter Township, Michigan|Clinton Township]], and to the southeast by [[Fraser, Michigan|Fraser]].

According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], Sterling Heights has a total area of {{convert|36.72|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|36.45|sqmi|sqkm|2}} are land and {{convert|0.27|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, or 0.74%, are water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2022"/> The [[Clinton River (Michigan)|Clinton River]] crosses the northeast part of the city, flowing east to [[Lake St. Clair]] east of [[Mount Clemens, Michigan|Mount Clemens]].

=== Climate ===
Sterling Heights features a [[humid continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Dfa''). Summers are somewhat hot with temperatures exceeding 90&nbsp;°F (32&nbsp;°C) on average 8.6 days. Winters are cold, with temperatures not rising above freezing on 39.1 days annually, while dropping to or below 0&nbsp;°F (−18&nbsp;°C) on average 1.2 days a year.{{Weather box
| width = auto
| precipitation colour = green
| Mar low F = 25.3
| Apr low F = 36.0
| May low F = 47.5
| Jun low F = 57.7
| Jul low F = 62.3
| Aug low F = 60.8
| Sep low F = 52.9
| Oct low F = 41.9
| Nov low F = 32.5
| Dec low F = 22.9
| year low F = 39.7
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.86
| Jan low F = 18.2
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.82
| Mar precipitation inch = 2.27
| Apr precipitation inch = 3.07
| May precipitation inch = 3.23
| Jun precipitation inch = 3.38
| Jul precipitation inch = 3.22
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.38
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.45
| Oct precipitation inch = 2.75
| Nov precipitation inch = 3.05
| Dec precipitation inch = 2.49
| year precipitation inch = 33.97
| Feb low F = 18.8
| year mean F = 49.5
| location = Sterling Heights (Eastpointe station)
| Nov high F = 49.0
| metric first = yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan high F = 32.8
| Feb high F = 35.8
| Mar high F = 44.7
| Apr high F = 58.3
| May high F = 69.7
| Jun high F = 80.0
| Jul high F = 84.2
| Aug high F = 81.7
| Sep high F = 74.8
| Oct high F = 62.3
| Dec high F = 36.5
| Dec mean F = 29.7
| year high F = 59.1
| Jan mean F = 25.5
| Feb mean F = 27.3
| Mar mean F = 35.0
| Apr mean F = 47.2
| May mean F = 58.6
| Jun mean F = 68.9
| Jul mean F = 73.3
| Aug mean F = 71.3
| Sep mean F = 63.9
| Oct mean F = 52.1
| Nov mean F = 40.8
| source = NOAA (normals 1981–2010)
}}

===Neighboring cities/towns===
{{Geographic Location
| width = auto
| Center = Sterling Heights
| North     = [[Shelby Charter Township, Michigan|Shelby Township]]<br />[[Utica, Michigan|Utica]]
| Northwest = [[Rochester Hills, Michigan|Rochester Hills]]<br />[[Rochester, Michigan|Rochester]]
| Northeast = [[Macomb Township, Macomb County, Michigan|Macomb Township]]
| East      = [[Clinton Charter Township, Michigan|Clinton Township]]
| Southeast = [[Fraser, Michigan|Fraser]]
| South     = [[Warren, Michigan|Warren]]
| Southwest = [[Madison Heights, Michigan|Madison Heights]]
| West      = [[Troy, Michigan|Troy]]
}}

===Main highways===
Sterling Heights sits on two main thoroughfares:

====State highways====
*{{jct|state=MI|M|53}} commonly called Van Dyke Avenue or the Van Dyke Freeway (they split in the city, however, and rejoin to its north), which leads north into [[The Thumb]] of Michigan.
*{{jct|state=MI|M|59}}, commonly called Hall Road once the freeway ends—which is the east–west connector from just north of [[Mount Clemens, Michigan|Mount Clemens]], through [[Utica, Michigan|Utica]] as a surface road, and then becomes a limited access freeway to [[Pontiac, Michigan|Pontiac]], being the main northern connector between [[Macomb County, Michigan|Macomb County]] and [[Oakland County, Michigan|Oakland County]]. In Sterling Heights, large areas are devoted to retail and commercial development (''e.g.'', [[Lakeside Mall]]).

====Other main roads====
*[[Mound Road]] is an important north–south artery that runs continuously through the city. Overall, the road starts south in [[Hamtramck, Michigan|Hamtramck]] and runs up to 32 Mile Road in [[Romeo, Michigan|Romeo]]. The road ends briefly at River Bends Park in Shelby Township (becoming Auburn Road), and continues just north of 22 Mile Road.
*East-west travel is mainly on the "mile roads," beginning at 14 Mile Road through 20 Mile Road (M-59). 16 Mile Road, also known as [[Metropolitan Parkway (Detroit area)|Metro Parkway]], is another major "mile road". See [[Roads and freeways in metropolitan Detroit]].
*Utica Road is an important diagonal connector that crisscrosses the city from southeast to northwest, going through the intersection of Dodge Park Road (across from the Sterling Heights city hall) via the first roundabout in Macomb County.
*Dequindre Road is the border between the city of Sterling Heights and the city of [[Troy, Michigan|Troy]]. It is also the border between the counties of Macomb and [[Oakland County, Michigan|Oakland]].
*Hayes Road is the divider between Clinton Township (Between Utica Road and South of M59) and Fraser (Between Masonic and Moravian).

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1940= 3648
|1950= 6509
|1960= 14622
|1970= 61365
|1980= 108999
|1990= 117810
|2000= 124471
|2010= 129699
|2020= 134346
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]<br />2018 Estimate<ref name="2018 Pop Estimate">{{cite web|title=Population Estimates|url=https://census.gov/data/tables/2018/demo/popest/total-cities-and-towns.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=March 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328165215/https://census.gov/data/tables/2018/demo/popest/total-cities-and-towns.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Sterling Heights, Michigan – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Sterling Heights city, Michigan |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US2676460&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Sterling Heights city, Michigan |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2676460&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Sterling Heights city, Michigan |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2676460&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|111,743
|108,750
|style='background: #ffffe6; |106,149
|89.77%
|83.85%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |79.01%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|1,602
|6,638
|style='background: #ffffe6; |8,709
|1.29%
|5.12%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |6.48%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|239
|246
|style='background: #ffffe6; |200
|0.19%
|0.19%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.15%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|6,100
|8,713
|style='background: #ffffe6; |10,935
|4.90%
|6.72%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |8.14%
|-
|[[Native Hawaiian]] or [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|35
|16
|style='background: #ffffe6; |13
|0.03%
|0.01%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.01%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|122
|158
|style='background: #ffffe6; |337
|0.10%
|0.12%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.25%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|2,965
|2,655
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,728
|2.38%
|2.05%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3.52%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|1,665
|2,523
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3,275
|1.34%
|1.95%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.44%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''124,471'''
|'''129,699'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''134,346'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}
According to the 2020 Census, a total of 13,641 individuals registered as [[Chaldean Catholic Church|Chaldean]] alone or in any combination in the city, while those identifying as [[Assyrian people|Assyrian]] accounted for a further 1,174.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=U.S. Census |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/table |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250330194515/https://data.census.gov/table/ |archive-date=2025-03-30 |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=data.census.gov |language=en}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov/|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-11-25|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709054630/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref> of 2010, there were 129,699 people, 49,451 households, and 34,515 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|3552.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 52,190 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1429.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 85.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 5.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 6.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.5% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.2% from two or more races; 1.9% of the population were [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were.

There were 49,451 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.2% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.20.

The median age in the city was 40.4 years. 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.8% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 124,471 people, 46,319 households, and 33,395 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|3,397.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 47,547 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,297.6|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 90.70% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.30% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.21% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 4.92% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.34% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.50% from two or more races; 1.34% of the population were [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] of any race.

Ancestries: [[Polish people|Polish]] (19.0%), [[Germans|German]] (14.4%), [[Italians|Italian]] (12.5%), [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonian]] (5.7%), [[English people|English]] (5%), [[Chaldean Catholics|Chaldo-Assyrians]] (20.7%), [[Americans|American/US]] (4%) ,and [[Irish People|Irish]] (4%).

In 2000, there were more people in Sterling Heights born in [[Iraq]] than any other foreign country. In that year there were 5,059 people in Sterling Heights born in Iraq. The next three largest nations of foreign birth were [[North Macedonia]] at 1,723, [[Italy]] at 1,442 and [[Poland]] at 1,427.

There were 46,319 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $60,494, and the median income for a family was $70,140. Males had a median income of $51,207 versus $31,489 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $24,958. About 4.0% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 6.6% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

==Law and government==
The city has a [[Council–manager government|council-manager form of government]]. The mayor, along with six other council members, is directly elected to council by the city residents. Prior to 2021, city council and mayoral positions had two-year terms. Following the approval of a ballot proposal in the November 2020 election the positions were changed to be four-year terms starting with the 2021 election cycle.

As of January 2021, the mayor is Michael C. Taylor. Taylor served as mayor [[pro tempore]] after Richard Notte died while in office in December 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sterling Heights, MI - Official Website|url=https://www.sterling-heights.net/Directory.aspx?EID=62|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.sterling-heights.net|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122193526/https://sterling-heights.net/Directory.aspx?EID=62|url-status=live}}</ref> Notte was the city's longest-serving mayor, winning in 1993 and serving through the next 11 consecutive elections. He was the city's first mayor to be elected by popular vote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Longtime Sterling Heights mayor Richard Notte dies |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2014/10/28/sterling-heights-mayor-richard-notte-dies/18048401/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=2018-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226101503/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2014/10/28/sterling-heights-mayor-richard-notte-dies/18048401/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following his death, the municipal building was renamed the Richard J. Notte Sterling Heights City Center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sterling Heights city center renamed for late mayor |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2014/11/10/sterling-heights-city-center-renamed-late-mayor-richard-notte/18765543/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817075516/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2014/11/10/sterling-heights-city-center-renamed-late-mayor-richard-notte/18765543/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The current city manager, Mark Vanderpool, has served as the city manager since 2004. In December 2020, the City Council voted to increase Vanderpool's salary by 23%, making him the third highest-paid city administrator of similar cities in Michigan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Christina|title=Sterling Heights city manager gets nearly $38,000 raise|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2020/12/16/sterling-heights-city-manager-38-000-pay-raise-mark-vanderpool/3920997001/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Detroit Free Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125134941/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2020/12/16/sterling-heights-city-manager-38-000-pay-raise-mark-vanderpool/3920997001/|url-status=live}}</ref> The position is appointed by the mayor and the city council.

Sterling Heights is located in [[Michigan's 57th House of Representatives district]] and [[Michigan's 58th House of Representatives district]], District 57 is represented by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Thomas Kuhn (Michigan politician)|Thomas Kuhn]] and District 58 is represented by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Ron Robinson (politician)|Ron Robinson]]. The city is located in [[Michigan's 9th Senate district]], represented by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Michael Webber (politician)|Michael Webber]].

Nationally, Sterling Heights is situated in Michigan's [[Michigan's 10th congressional district|10th congressional district]], represented by Republican [[John James (Michigan politician)|John James]].

In the [[2020 United States presidential election in Michigan|2020 presidential election]], 70,204 ballots were cast, with incumbent [[Donald Trump]] receiving 38,451 votes (54.77%) to [[Joe Biden|Joe Biden's]] 30,587 votes (43.56%).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Dave Bartkowiak |date=2020-11-10 |title=How Detroit's Macomb County suburbs voted in 2020 presidential election |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/decision-2020/2020/11/10/how-detroits-macomb-county-suburbs-voted-in-2020-presidential-election/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=WDIV |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425193649/https://www.clickondetroit.com/decision-2020/2020/11/10/how-detroits-macomb-county-suburbs-voted-in-2020-presidential-election/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Mayors===
* Gerald N. Donovan, 1968-1971<ref name=former>{{citation |url= https://www.sterlingheights.gov/1594/Former-Mayors-City-Councils-and-City-Man |title=Former Mayors, City Council Members and City Managers |work=sterlingheights.gov |accessdate=2024-07-05 }}</ref>
* Al Martin, 1972-1973<ref name=former/>
* Anthony Dobry, 1974-1981<ref name=former/>
* Jerry Mann, 1982-1983<ref name=former/>
* Arthur Madar, 1984-1985<ref name=former/>
* Jean DiRezze Gush, 1986-1991<ref name=former/>
* Stephen M. Rice, 1992-1993<ref name=former/>
* Richard J. Notte, 1994-2014<ref name=former/><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/beloved-longtime-sterling-heights-mayor-richard-notte-dies-at-76/ |title='Beloved' Longtime Sterling Heights Mayor Richard Notte Dies At 76 |date=2014-10-28 }}</ref>
* Michael C. Taylor, 2015-2024<ref name=former/><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sterlingheights.gov/Directory.aspx?EID=62 |work=sterlingheights.gov |title=Staff Directory |accessdate=2024-07-05 }}</ref>

== Crime ==
{{Infobox UCR|city_name=Sterling Heights|year=2019|homicide=0|forcible_rape=18.74|robbery=12.75|aggravated_assault=93.72|violent_crime=125.21|burglary=68.98|larceny_theft=713.77|arson=5.25|property_crime=854.72|grand_theft_auto=71.98|source_url=https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/tables/table-8/table-8-state-cuts/michigan.xls|source_name=2019 FBI Report of Offenses Known to Law Enforcement}}The Sterling Heights Police Department serves as the main law enforcement agency in the city.

Sterling Height's crime rate for 2018 was 180.38 per 100,000 population, a 2.16% decrease from 2017. Sterling Heights' crime rate is lower than both the Michigan (449) and United States (381) averages.<ref name="StHtgsCrime">{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Sterling Heights MI Crime Rate 2001-2018 |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/sterling-heights/crime-rate-statistics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123074140/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/sterling-heights/crime-rate-statistics |archive-date=2021-01-23 |access-date=2021-01-29 |website=www.macrotrends.net}}</ref> Sterling Heights had the fourth lowest crime rate per 100,000 population in 2018, compared to surrounding cities.<ref name="StHtgsCrime" /> Sterling Heights was beat by [[Rochester, Michigan|Rochester]] (61.19),<ref>{{cite web|title=Rochester MI Crime Rate 1999-2018|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/rochester/crime-rate-statistics|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.macrotrends.net|archive-date=2021-02-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209035924/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/rochester/crime-rate-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Troy, Michigan|Troy]] (61.74),<ref>{{cite web|title=Troy MI Crime Rate 1999-2018|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/troy/crime-rate-statistics|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.macrotrends.net|archive-date=2021-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208171857/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/troy/crime-rate-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Fraser, Michigan|Fraser]] (157.25).<ref>{{cite web|title=Fraser MI Crime Rate 1999-2018|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/fraser/crime-rate-statistics|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.macrotrends.net|archive-date=2021-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617003020/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/fraser/crime-rate-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref>

Sterling Heights has a lower crime rate than [[Utica, Michigan|Utica]] (222.27),<ref>{{cite web|title=Utica MI Crime Rate 2005-2018|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/utica/crime-rate-statistics|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.macrotrends.net|archive-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124223639/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/utica/crime-rate-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madison Heights, Michigan|Madison Heights]] (295.68),<ref>{{cite web|title=Madison Heights MI Crime Rate 1999-2018|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/madison-heights/crime-rate-statistics|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.macrotrends.net|archive-date=2021-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203014341/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/madison-heights/crime-rate-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Clinton Township, Macomb County, Michigan|Clinton Township]] (317.93),<ref>{{cite web|title=Clinton Township MI Crime Rate 1999-2018|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/clinton-township/crime-rate-statistics|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.macrotrends.net|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304092040/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/clinton-township/crime-rate-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Warren, Michigan|Warren]] (509.03).<ref>{{cite web|title=Warren MI Crime Rate 2001-2018|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/warren/crime-rate-statistics|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.macrotrends.net|archive-date=2021-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203082408/https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/mi/warren/crime-rate-statistics|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
Sterling Heights is served by two public school districts: [[Utica Community Schools]], which serves the northern half of the city, and [[Warren Consolidated Schools]], which serves the southern half of the city. Utica operates two high schools in the city, [[Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Sterling Heights, Michigan)|Stevenson High School]] and [[Henry Ford II High School]], while Warren Consolidated operates [[Sterling Heights High School]]. Additionally, [[Parkway Christian School]], a private K-12 Christian school, is also located in the city.

==Media==
The city of Sterling Heights has three local newspapers, ''The Macomb Daily'' with daily and Sunday delivery (owned by the Journal Register Company), the ''Sterling Heights Sentry'' (C and G Newspapers), and the ''Sterling Heights Source'' (owned by Advisor & Source Newspapers), the last two are delivered to city residences free of charge. The city also has two local channels. SHTV is run by the city's community relations department and usually features locally produced programming (including City Council meetings) and community announcements.<ref>{{cite web|title=SHTV Programs {{!}} Sterling Heights, MI - Official Website|url=https://www.sterling-heights.net/234/SHTV-Programs|access-date=2021-01-12|website=www.sterling-heights.net|archive-date=2021-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115141555/https://sterling-heights.net/234/SHTV-Programs|url-status=live}}</ref> Another channel is used for the Sterling Heights Public Library, which usually features educational programs as well as library announcements and important outreach programs for the [[LGBT]] community in Sterling Heights. SHTV is found locally on [[Comcast]] channel 5, on [[Wide Open West]] channel 10 and online. The public library channel is found on Comcast channel 12 and WOW channel 20.

The city's official radio station is AM 1700.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sterling Heights Radio 1700 {{!}} Sterling Heights, MI - Official Website|url=https://www.sterling-heights.net/257/Sterling-Heights-Radio-1700|access-date=2021-01-12|website=www.sterling-heights.net|archive-date=2020-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203171039/https://www.sterling-heights.net/257/Sterling-Heights-Radio-1700|url-status=live}}</ref> The city also releases a seasonal magazine and a city calendar free of charge to each city household and business.

[[WKEG]], affiliated with [[Relevant Radio]], is based in Sterling Heights.

==Sister cities==
Sister City initiatives give opportunities for the cities' residents to come to know each other's cultures. The initiatives will facilitate the cultural, educational, municipal, business, professional and technical exchanges and projects among the sister cities. Sterling Heights' sister cities are:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.lk/article/581491/Jaffna-becomes-a-Sister-City-of%C2%A0Sterling-Heights--United-States|title=Jaffna becomes a Sister City of Sterling Heights, United States|access-date=November 23, 2016|work=[[Daily FT]]|date=November 23, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123132913/http://www.ft.lk/article/581491/Jaffna-becomes-a-Sister-City-of%C2%A0Sterling-Heights--United-States|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|MKD}} [[Tetovo Municipality|Tetovo]], North Macedonia (1982)
*{{flagicon|PHL}} [[Legazpi, Albay|Legazpi]], Philippines (1999)
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Cassino]], Italy (2006)
*{{flagicon|PHL}} [[Sorsogon City]], Philippines (2008)
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Sant'Elia Fiumerapido]], Italy (2010)
*{{flagicon|ALB}} [[Shëngjin]], Albania (2013)
*{{flagicon|LKA}} [[Jaffna]], Sri Lanka (2016)
*{{flagicon|IRQ}} [[Ankawa]], Iraq      (2024)
{{div col end}}

==Notable people==
* [[Pete Chryplewicz]], former [[NFL]] player
* [[Shawn Hunwick]], retired [[NHL]] goaltender
* [[Tom Jankiewicz]], screenwriter; raised in Sterling Heights<ref name=dfp>{{cite news|first=Julie|last=Hinds|title='Grosse Pointe Blank' writer Tom Jankiewicz found a place in film history|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20130201/ENT01/302010019/-Grosse-Pointe-Blank-writer-Tom-Jankiewicz-found-a-place-in-film-history|work=[[Detroit Free Press]]|date=2013-02-02|access-date=2013-02-04|archive-date=2013-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207121710/http://www.freep.com/article/20130201/ENT01/302010019/-Grosse-Pointe-Blank-writer-Tom-Jankiewicz-found-a-place-in-film-history|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Craig Krenzel]], former NFL player
* [[Kalin Lucas]], former [[NBA]] player<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macombdaily.com/2009/04/03/grounded-lucas-soaring/ | title='Grounded' Lucas soaring | date=3 April 2009 | access-date=11 May 2022 | archive-date=10 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810234949/https://www.macombdaily.com/2009/04/03/grounded-lucas-soaring/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Greg Pateryn]], NHL defenseman 
* [[Porcelain Black]] (Alaina Marie Beaton), [[Industrial music|industrial]] [[Pop music|pop]] singer 
* [[Frank Zombo]], NFL linebacker for [[Kansas City Chiefs]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|www.sterling-heights.net}}
* [http://www.shrcci.com/ Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://www.sterling-heights.net/665/Sterling-Heights-Library Sterling Heights Public Library]

{{Sterling Heights, Michigan}}
{{Macomb County, Michigan}}
{{Metro Detroit}}
{{Coord|42|34|49|N|83|1|49|W|display=title}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Sterling Heights, Michigan| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Macomb County, Michigan]]
[[Category:Metro Detroit]]
[[Category:Assyrian-American culture in Michigan]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1968]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in Michigan]]