Crime Safety Grade

C

Sterling, VA Crime Rate

Lower crime than 80% of U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

View Crime Map Registered Offenders

Is Sterling Safe?

With an overall crime index of 79, Sterling has a 21% lower crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 309. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Lowes Island earning an A+ grade while Dulles Town Center rates B+.

Crime Index Comparison

Sterling
79
Virginia Avg
112
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
79
21% below average
Violent Crime
81
19% below average
Property Crime
85
15% below average
Safe Areas
100%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Sterling

1 in 309

Property crime: 1 in 294

Where Is It Safe in Sterling?

Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address

Sterling Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 3% below avg
Lowest Risk
Assault · 43% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 91 ▼ 9%
Assault Violent 57 ▼ 43%
Robbery Violent 94 ▼ 6%
Burglary Property 67 ▼ 33%
Larceny / Theft Property 97 ▼ 3%
Vehicle Theft Property 91 ▼ 9%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Sterling Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Lowes Island A+ 19
2 Cascades A 44
3 Washington Dulles International Airport A 41
4 Countryside A 71
5 Oak Grove A- 47
6 Sugarland Run B+ 101
7 Arcola B+ 128
8 Sterling B+ 120
9 Dulles Town Center B+ 138

Sterling Crime by Zip Code

20165
A Index: 49
20166
A- Index: 79
20164
B+ Index: 112

Sterling Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
30,872
Median Income
$101,079
Home Value
$378,678
Median Rent
$1,868
Home Ownership
74%

Racial Demographics

White
53.8%
Black
8%
Hispanic
23%
Asian
20%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Sterling?
Sterling has an overall crime index of 79, which is below the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Sterling are rated A or B for safety.
Is Sterling safe to live in?
Sterling has a crime safety grade of C. Higher than average crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Sterling?
The safest neighborhoods in Sterling based on crime data include Lowes Island, Cascades, Washington Dulles International Airport, Countryside, and Oak Grove. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Sterling crime compare to the national average?
Sterling's overall crime index is 79 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 21% lower than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Washington, DC Arlington, VA Frederick, MD Alexandria, VA Germantown, MD Silver Spring, MD Centreville, VA Dale City, VA Rockville, MD Gaithersburg, MD Bethesda, MD Reston, VA Aspen Hill, MD Leesburg, VA Wheaton, MD North Bethesda, MD McLean, VA Potomac, MD Lake Ridge, VA Ashburn, VA Burke, VA Woodbridge, VA Annandale, VA Linton Hall, VA

Crime Statistics by State

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