Median Income
$39,141
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,300
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
201/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$942
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Sparks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,225
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density560/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 35%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$39,141
Per Capita$17,755
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$536M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,300
Rent$942
Ownership43.2%
Zillow$121,997
Housing Units787
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent201/100K
Property3,208/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault150/100K
Burglary902/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured19.7%
Smoking22.1%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation244 ft (74 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+76.6%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score4.59
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 27%
Commute22 min
Broadband77.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Sparks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sparks receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Sparks has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sparks is $39,141, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sparks is $79,300, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sparks is below the national average at 201 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,208 per 100,000, 64% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sparks enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Sparks has a population of 2,225 with a density of 560 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (60.7%), with 34.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.9% of residents, while 13.1% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.9%
11% above US avg
Spanish
13.1%
2% below US avg
The median household income in Sparks is $39,141, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,755 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $834, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 414 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,141 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,755 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $834 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,566 |
| Gini Index | 0.488 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 414 |
| County GDP | $536M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,844 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Sparks is $79,300, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,997, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $942 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 787 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,844 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,300 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $121,997 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $942 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.8% |
| Housing Units | 787 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,844 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.59% |
In Sparks, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 44.0% have high blood pressure. 22.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.7% report binge drinking. 37.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.4% report depression. 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 19.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,914. The dentist ratio is 1:3,481. 69.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sparks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.0% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.1% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.2% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 45.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| Uninsured | 19.7% |
| 129% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,914 |
| Dentists | 1:3,481 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,771 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 41.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,071/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Sparks has a violent crime rate of 201 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 150.4 per 100,000, robbery at 50.1, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,208 per 100,000, 64% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,206, burglary at 902, vehicle theft at 100 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sparks receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sparks vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 200.5/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 50.1/100K |
| Assault | 150.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,208.0/100K |
| 64% above US avg |
| Burglary | 902.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,205.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 100.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 88 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sparks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 244 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.9°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 244 ft (74 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 560/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.1690°N, 83.4412°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 17, 1997.
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
20 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
141 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
107 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
271 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
110 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
247 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
266 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
37 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
281 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
415 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 60 fatalities, 788 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
23 km |
11 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
91 km |
5 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
79 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
79 km |
11 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
74 km |
7 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
80 km |
4 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2020 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SWEAT FARM ROAD (52,495 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
97 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
ARABIA BAY |
10,971 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,098 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,117 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
6,603 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,421 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,798 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
ROUNDABOUT SWAMP FIRE |
5,791 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,598 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,216 |
48 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,949 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
4,883 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,827 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,630 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
4,421 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,393 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,124 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Sparks has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 48°F in January to 80°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 47.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.4") and October the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Sparks. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparks
What is the population of Sparks?
Sparks has a population of 2,225 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 560 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Sparks expensive to live in?
Sparks has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $39,141, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,300 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sparks safe?
Sparks is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 201 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,208 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sparks receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sparks?
Sparks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Sparks?
The job market in Sparks is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $834. There are 414 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sparks?
The median home value in Sparks is $79,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,997. For renters, the median monthly rent is $942. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,844.
How are the schools in Sparks?
Schools in Sparks have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.8% of adults in Sparks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.6% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sparks?
The obesity rate in Sparks is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.1% of adults are smokers. 37.2% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 19.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,914.
What is transportation like in Sparks?
The average commute in Sparks is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sparks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparks is 34.6% White, 60.7% Black or African American. 86.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.1% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
