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

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
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Community | Sterling |
| Type | Census-Designated Place (CDP) |
| Borough | Kenai Peninsula Borough |
| State | Alaska |
| Nearest City | Soldotna |
| US Region | Western United States |
| Latitude | 60.5336° N |
| Longitude | 150.7925° W |
| Elevation | Approximately 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 Code | 99672 |
| Area Code | 907 |
| Time Zone Standard | Alaska Standard Time (AKST), UTC−9 |
| Time Zone Daylight | Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), UTC−8 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 0273290 |
| Congressional District | At-large Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in Sterling
| Transportation Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Kenai Municipal Airport provides regional air service; Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport provides major commercial air service. |
| IATA Code | ENA, ANC |
| Port | Nearby Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula coastal ports provide marine access. |
| Major Highways | Sterling Highway (Alaska Route 1) provides the main road connection. |
| Train/Amtrak Service | Alaska Railroad service is available from nearby communities including Seward and Anchorage. |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Regional 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 Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Kenai River | River Recreation Area |
| Kenai National Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife Refuge |
| Johnson Lake State Recreation Area | Recreation Area |
| Skilak Lake | Lake Recreation Area |
| Soldotna Creek Park | Community Park |
| Kenai Peninsula College | Educational Campus |
| Tsalteshi Trails | Outdoor Recreation Trail |
| Kenai Fjords National Park | National Park |
| Kasilof River | River Recreation Area |
| Cook Inlet | Coastal Recreation Area |
Driving Distances from Sterling, Alaska to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldotna | Alaska | 10 | 15 min |
| Kenai | Alaska | 25 | 35 min |
| Nikiski | Alaska | 35 | 45 min |
| Homer | Alaska | 140 | 3 hr |
| Seward | Alaska | 120 | 2 hr 30 min |
| Anchorage | Alaska | 160 | 3 hr |
| Girdwood | Alaska | 130 | 2 hr 30 min |
| Palmer | Alaska | 210 | 4 hr |
| Wasilla | Alaska | 230 | 4 hr 15 min |
| Fairbanks | Alaska | 520 | 9 hr |
Colleges and Universities near Sterling, Alaska
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenai Peninsula College | Public | College | Associate degrees, workforce training, and community education |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Public | University | Health sciences, business, education, and research programs |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Public | University | Arctic research, natural sciences, engineering, and Alaska studies |
| Alaska Pacific University | Private | University | Environmental studies, outdoor programs, and liberal arts |
| Alaska Bible College | Private | College | Biblical 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 Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Kenai National Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife Refuge |
| Kenai River | River Recreation Area |
| Johnson Lake State Recreation Area | Recreation Area |
| Skilak Lake | Lake Recreation Area |
| Soldotna Creek Park | Community Park |
| Tsalteshi Trails | Outdoor Recreation Trail |
| Kenai Fjords National Park | National Park |
| Kasilof River | River Recreation Area |
| Cook Inlet | Coastal Recreation Area |
| Kenai Peninsula College | Educational 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
- Kenai Peninsula Borough Official Website
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Travel Alaska Tourism
- Alaska Department of Natural Resources
- Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
- University of Alaska Anchorage
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