Where is Sterling, Alaska, USA?

Written and fact-checked by | Reviewed by WhereIG Editorial Team | Last updated: August 14, 2026, 18:45 ET

Where is Sterling Located? - Sterling is a city located in the Arenac County of Alaska, United States. Sterling lies between 61.3759 Degrees North latitudes and 150.0292 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Sterling, Alaska

Where is Sterling, Alaska

Sterling Map, Alaska, USA

Where is Sterling?: The Google Map showing the location of Sterling in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Where is Sterling Located?

Sterling is a city located in the Arenac County does not exist in Alaska. If referring to Sterling, the correct borough is Kenai Peninsula Borough of Alaska, United States.. Sterling lies between 61.3759 Degrees North latitudes and 150.0292 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Sterling city is 5918 people and the city has a total area of 77.78 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Sterling, Alaska Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
CommunitySterling
TypeCensus-Designated Place (CDP)
BoroughKenai Peninsula Borough
StateAlaska
Nearest CitySoldotna
US RegionWestern United States
Latitude60.5336° N
Longitude150.7925° W
ElevationApproximately 171 ft (52 m)
Land Area (sq mi)69.82
Water Area (sq mi)0.15
Total Area (sq mi)69.97
Population (2020 Census)5,918
Population Density (per sq mi)84.8
ZIP Code99672
Area Code907
Time Zone StandardAlaska Standard Time (AKST), UTC−9
Time Zone DaylightAlaska Daylight Time (AKDT), UTC−8
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code0273290
Congressional DistrictAt-large Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Sterling

Transportation FeatureDetails
Airport NameKenai Municipal Airport provides regional air service; Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport provides major commercial air service.
IATA CodeENA, ANC
PortNearby Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula coastal ports provide marine access.
Major HighwaysSterling Highway (Alaska Route 1) provides the main road connection.
Train/Amtrak ServiceAlaska Railroad service is available from nearby communities including Seward and Anchorage.
Local Bus/Transit ServiceRegional transportation services operate within the Kenai Peninsula area.
  • Sterling is a census-designated place located in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska.
  • The community is located on the western Kenai Peninsula along the Sterling Highway.
  • Sterling is known for fishing, outdoor recreation, forests, and access to the Kenai River region.
  • The area developed as a rural community supporting fishing, tourism, and natural resource activities.

Top Places to Visit near Sterling, Alaska

Landmark NameType
Kenai RiverRiver Recreation Area
Kenai National Wildlife RefugeWildlife Refuge
Johnson Lake State Recreation AreaRecreation Area
Skilak LakeLake Recreation Area
Soldotna Creek ParkCommunity Park
Kenai Peninsula CollegeEducational Campus
Tsalteshi TrailsOutdoor Recreation Trail
Kenai Fjords National ParkNational Park
Kasilof RiverRiver Recreation Area
Cook InletCoastal Recreation Area

Driving Distances from Sterling, Alaska to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
SoldotnaAlaska1015 min
KenaiAlaska2535 min
NikiskiAlaska3545 min
HomerAlaska1403 hr
SewardAlaska1202 hr 30 min
AnchorageAlaska1603 hr
GirdwoodAlaska1302 hr 30 min
PalmerAlaska2104 hr
WasillaAlaska2304 hr 15 min
FairbanksAlaska5209 hr

Colleges and Universities near Sterling, Alaska

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Kenai Peninsula CollegePublicCollegeAssociate degrees, workforce training, and community education
University of Alaska AnchoragePublicUniversityHealth sciences, business, education, and research programs
University of Alaska FairbanksPublicUniversityArctic research, natural sciences, engineering, and Alaska studies
Alaska Pacific UniversityPrivateUniversityEnvironmental studies, outdoor programs, and liberal arts
Alaska Bible CollegePrivateCollegeBiblical studies and ministry programs

Waterbodies near Sterling, Alaska

Kenai River, Kasilof River, Skilak Lake, Tustumena Lake, Cook Inlet, and nearby Kenai Peninsula waterways

Golf Courses near Sterling, Alaska

Birch Ridge Golf Course, Kenai Golf Course, and nearby Kenai Peninsula golf facilities

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit near Sterling, Alaska

Landmark NameType
Kenai National Wildlife RefugeWildlife Refuge
Kenai RiverRiver Recreation Area
Johnson Lake State Recreation AreaRecreation Area
Skilak LakeLake Recreation Area
Soldotna Creek ParkCommunity Park
Tsalteshi TrailsOutdoor Recreation Trail
Kenai Fjords National ParkNational Park
Kasilof RiverRiver Recreation Area
Cook InletCoastal Recreation Area
Kenai Peninsula CollegeEducational Campus

Waterbodies near Sterling, Alaska

Kenai River, Kasilof River, Skilak Lake, Tustumena Lake, Cook Inlet, and nearby Kenai Peninsula waterways

Golf Courses near Sterling, Alaska

Birch Ridge Golf Course, Kenai Golf Course, and nearby Kenai Peninsula golf facilities

Sterling, Alaska — Key Historical Facts

  • Sterling developed as a rural community along the Kenai Peninsula after the construction of the Sterling Highway.
  • The Sterling Highway, completed in the mid-20th century, connected communities across the Kenai Peninsula and supported regional growth.
  • The area has long been associated with commercial and recreational fishing, especially along the Kenai River.
  • Sterling became known as a gateway community for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
  • Today, Sterling remains a small community surrounded by forests, rivers, lakes, and protected natural areas.

References

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