Question 1

Is 61081 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 61081 in Sterling has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Sterling city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 61081 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 61081?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 61081 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 61081. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 61081 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Sterling. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 61081?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 61081 is approximately $145K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 61081 at a premium relative to the metro median, reflecting the neighborhood's above-average crime and school scores. Median rent in 61081 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 61081 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 61081 has an overall NeighborScore of 70/100, placing it in the moderate range for Sterling. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 70/100, 61081 scores similarly to the middle tier of Sterling neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

Sterling — ZIP 61081

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
Franklin Elem School	PK–02	—	—	—
Jefferson Elem School	PK–02	—	—	—
Lincoln Elem School	03–05	—	—	—
Washington Elem School	03–05	—	—	—
Sterling High School	09–12	—	—	—
Challand Middle School	06–08	—	—	—