Median Income
$31,932
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,800
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.1%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,125
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
53.6%
332% higher than US avg
How Sparks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,936
Median Age25.1 yrs
Density3,526/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
D
Median Income$31,932
Per Capita$12,685
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty53.6%
County GDP$53,333M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,800
Rent$1,125
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$168,779
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity36.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain8.8 in/yr
Elevation3,816 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.1%
High School+65.9%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 57%
Commute24 min
Broadband89.1%
Libraries18
Is Sparks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sparks receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty 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 $31,932, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 53.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sparks is $101,800, 64% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
7.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Sparks enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 8.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Sparks has a population of 4,936 with a density of 3,526 people per square mile. The median age is 25.1 years, 35% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (32.4%).
Population
25.1yrs
Median Age
35% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 6.8% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Spanish | 93.2% |
| 596% above US avg |
The median household income in Sparks is $31,932, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 53.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,932 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,685 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,831 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 53.6% |
| 332% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 16,825 |
| County GDP | $53,333M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,853 |
| Healthcare | 1,904 |
| Retail | 2,227 |
| Manufacturing | 517 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,241 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Sparks is $101,800, 64% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,125 (3% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,779.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,800 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,779 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,125 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,241 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.10% |
In Sparks, 36.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.5% report depression. 36.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Sparks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 8.4% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.9% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,160/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,904 |
Crime Rates: Sparks vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 83 |
Safety Score
Sparks has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 8.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 66.2°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 8.8 inches |
| 77% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 2.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,816 ft (1,163 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,526/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.6727°N, 106.2398°W |
| County FIPS | 48141 |