Taxes in Sterling Heights
Michigan's real Proposal A property-tax mechanic and flat 4.25% state income tax both apply to Sterling Heights residents, and this record directly confirmed via the city's own municipal code that no separate city income tax applies.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreProposal A, and Sterling Heights' own property tax rate
Sterling Heights' own effective property tax rate ran approximately 1.24% per Ownwell (median annual bill $3,755 on a $292,200 median home) -- above the ~0.92% national average, though below neighboring Warren's 1.46% and the broader Macomb County range (1.32%-1.42%). As with every Michigan market, taxable value is capped from rising more than the lesser of 5% or inflation each year until sale.
A directly-confirmed, unambiguous 'no city income tax' finding
Michigan's flat 4.25% state income tax applies. Unlike the more ambiguous sourcing found for neighboring Warren, this record confirmed DIRECTLY via Sterling Heights' own municipal code (Section 10.04, 'No municipal income tax except as provided') that the city levies no separate municipal income tax.
The city's own millage rate, one piece of the full bill
The City's proposed FY2026 municipal millage rate ran 17.5323 mills -- just the city's own portion of a total tax bill that also includes school, county, and other overlapping millages.
Key takeaways
- Sterling Heights' own effective property tax rate (1.24%) runs above the national average, below Warren's.
- Michigan's flat 4.25% state income tax applies; Sterling Heights directly confirmed to levy no city income tax.
- Proposal A caps taxable-value growth at the lesser of 5%/inflation, uncapped only at sale.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Sterling Heights overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert