EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-46345 and 333-86487 of Sterling Bancshares, Inc. on Form S-4 and in
Registration Statements Nos. 33-75444, 33-75442, 33-84398, 33-85624, 333-16719,
333-57171 and 333-102544 of Sterling Bancshares, Inc. on Forms S-8 of our report
dated March 10, 2003, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sterling
Bancshares, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2002.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
March 14, 2003