Population 2000: 2,642,
Sterling is located in
Rice County. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 2,218, an increase of 27 since 1990.
Nestled in the Arkansas River valley this community was named for Sterling Rosan, father of two settlers. Broom corn was once a major crop and locals are Sterlingites.
Sterling College is a fine, Private college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
