Median Income
$45,278
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,800
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
164/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
2% lower than US avg
How Sparland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population375
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density658/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,278
Per Capita$24,227
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty12.1%
County GDP$687M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,800
Rent$950
Ownership85.4%
Zillow$75,715
Housing Units206
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent164/100K
Property873/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation592 ft (180 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute24 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Sparland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sparland receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Sparland has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sparland is $45,278, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sparland is $82,800, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sparland is below the national average at 164 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 873 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sparland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 24.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sparland has a population of 375 with a density of 658 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.8% of residents, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.8%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.2%
31% below US avg
The median household income in Sparland is $45,278, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,227 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $906, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 257 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,278 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,227 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $906 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,174 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 257 |
| County GDP | $687M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,460 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Sparland is $82,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $75,715. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 206 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,460 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,800 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $75,715 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.6% |
| Housing Units | 206 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,460 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.39% |
In Sparland, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,831. The dentist ratio is 1:2,920. 33.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sparland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,831 |
| Dentists | 1:2,920 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,842 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,393/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Sparland has a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 873 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sparland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sparland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 163.7/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 872.9/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sparland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.4 inches. The area receives 24.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 592 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 592 ft (180 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 658/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0296°N, 89.4412°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Illinois Valley Regional-Walter A Duncan Field (VYS)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
66 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
690 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 27 fatalities, 657 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
28 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Sparland has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Sparland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparland
What is the population of Sparland?
Sparland has a population of 375 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 658 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Sparland expensive to live in?
Sparland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,278, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,800 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sparland safe?
Sparland is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 873 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sparland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sparland?
Sparland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 24.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sparland?
The unemployment rate in Sparland is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $906. There are 257 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sparland?
The median home value in Sparland is $82,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $75,715. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,460.
How are the schools in Sparland?
Schools in Sparland score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in Sparland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sparland?
The obesity rate in Sparland is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 33.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,831.
What is transportation like in Sparland?
The average commute in Sparland is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sparland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparland is 94.4% White. 90.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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