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STERLING, IL 61081

Real Estate Market Report  ·  Whiteside County
Balanced Market
January 2026  ·  Source: Realtor.com

Market Overview

Active Listings
48
⇩ 9.4% vs 53 last year
Pending
16
33% pending ratio
Median Price
$159,900
⇧ 22.6% vs $130,400 last year
Average Price
$215,037
⇧ 7.1% vs $200,709 last year
Days on Market
83
⇧ 31.7% vs 63 days last year

Market Context

Population: 21,138  ·  Density: 65.6/mi²  ·  Median household income: $57,618

Typical home value: $121,006  ·  Homeownership: 70.7%

Market Analysis

Data as of January 2026. Source: Realtor.com.

The STERLING, IL real estate market (61081) currently shows 48 active listings, with 16 pending sales. Homes are averaging 83 days on the market before going under contract.

Inventory has tightened compared to last year, with 5 fewer active listings — creating more competition among buyers.

Homes are taking longer to sell, averaging 83 days on market compared to 63 days last year.

The median listing price has risen 22.6% year-over-year, from $130,400 to $159,900.

Whether you are buying or selling in STERLING, IL, SELL123.com can help you save significantly on commission — typically 2% compared to traditional 5% broker fees. Call (240) SELL-123 for a free consultation.

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Market Trends

Inventory & Days on Market

Year over Year
  • Listings: 48 this year vs 53 last year
  • Days on market: 83 now vs 63 last year

Median & Average Pricing

Year over Year
  • Median: $159,900 (+22.6% YoY)
  • Average: $215,037 (+7.1% YoY)

12-Month Price Trend

Median & Average
  • Median and average listing prices over the past 12 months

12-Month Inventory Trend

Active & Pending
  • Active and pending listing counts over the past 12 months

Historical Trend Charts

Median Price
Average Price
Days on Market
Total Listings
Pending Listings
Active Listings
New Listings

Nearby Real Estate Markets

Median Price Legend:
< $250K
$250K–$500K
$500K–$1M
$1M–$2M
> $2M
25 Nearby Zip Code Markets within 24.1 miles — 128 listings ($29,377,984 combined market value)
Zip City / State Distance Listings Market Value Median $ Average $
61081Sterling, IL 610810.0 mi48$10,321,776$159,900$215,037
61051Milledgeville, IL 610519.7 mi8$1,118,400$127,450$139,800
61014Chadwick, IL 6101411.9 mi4$719,800$179,950$179,950
61064Polo, IL 6106412.6 mi9$1,631,187$155,000$181,243
61042Harmon, IL 6104214.1 mi1$291,200$291,200$291,200
61046Lanark, IL 6104618.4 mi22$8,885,536$349,450$403,888
61277Prophetstown, IL 6127719.4 mi7$1,342,425$166,000$191,775
61285Thomson, IL 6128520.1 mi5$1,090,000$214,500$218,000
61054Mount Morris, IL 6105420.9 mi7$1,113,000$159,000$159,000
61376Walnut, IL 6137622.0 mi5$649,750$129,950$129,950
61310Amboy, IL 6131022.4 mi6$1,220,160$205,000$203,360
61250Erie, IL 6125022.8 mi5$912,250$187,500$182,450
61258Hooppole, IL 6125824.1 mi1$82,500$82,500$82,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes are for sale in STERLING, IL 61081?

As of January 2026, there are 48 active listings in STERLING, IL (zip code 61081), compared to 53 the prior year.

What is the median home price in STERLING, IL 61081?

The median listing price in STERLING, IL 61081 is $159,900 as of January 2026, a 22.6% increase from $130,400 the prior year.

How long do homes stay on the market in STERLING, IL?

Homes in STERLING, IL 61081 spend an average of 83 days on the market before going under contract, compared to 63 days the prior year.

Is it a seller's or buyer's market in STERLING, IL 61081?

Based on current inventory and days-on-market data as of January 2026, STERLING, IL 61081 is currently a Balanced Market. Inventory has tightened compared to last year, with 5 fewer active listings — creating more competition among buyers. Homes are taking longer to sell, averaging 83 days on market compared to 63 days last year.

How much can I save on real estate commission in STERLING, IL?

With SELL123.com's maximum 3% commission, sellers in STERLING, IL 61081 save an estimated $3,198 compared to a typical 5% commission on the median listing price of $159,900. Our fee structure: 1% listing + 2% selling broker — no additional buyer or seller fees. Call (240) SELL-123 or email info@SELL123.com for a free consultation.