Median Income
$63,401
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,500
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$722
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Sparta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,070
Median Age40.1 yrs
Density365/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$63,401
Per Capita$33,484
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$2,023M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,500
Rent$722
Ownership59.5%
Zillow$129,186
Housing Units2,098
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.9%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation472 ft (144 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Sparta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sparta receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Sparta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sparta is $63,401, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sparta is $120,500, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sparta is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sparta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 10.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sparta has a population of 4,070 with a density of 365 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 40.1 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 13.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.1yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Sparta is $63,401, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,484 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,070, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 596 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,401 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,484 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,070 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,068 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 596 |
| County GDP | $2,023M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,703 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Sparta is $120,500, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,186. Monthly rent averages $722 (38% 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. 59.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,098 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $3,703. 32.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,186 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $722 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,098 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,703 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.07% |
In Sparta, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 35.6% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,153. The dentist ratio is 1:2,148. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sparta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,153 |
| Dentists | 1:2,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:634 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Sparta has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Sparta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Sparta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.6 inches. The area receives 10.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 472 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 472 ft (144 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 365/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1394°N, 89.7305°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Randolph County County |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.6"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0498 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
94 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
110 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
98 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
103 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
93 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
4 km ENE of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
62 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
45 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| Apr 8, 1998 |
2 km NNW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
70 km |
| Mar 19, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.2 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
631 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 86 fatalities, 1,569 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
43 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
40 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
65 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
85 km |
4 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
87 km |
21 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
54 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
74 km |
6 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
43 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RED SHALE UNIT RX (2,123 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
77 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,552 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,483 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
45 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
35 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
72 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON NORTH RX |
807 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
741 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
729 |
43 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
724 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
HERRIN FLATS RX |
713 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
687 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
676 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON RX |
628 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Sparta has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 31°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Sparta. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $999 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Preschool | $542 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparta
What is the population of Sparta?
Sparta has a population of 4,070 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 365 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.1 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Sparta expensive to live in?
Sparta has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $63,401, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,500 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sparta safe?
Sparta is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Sparta?
Sparta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 10.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sparta?
The unemployment rate in Sparta is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,070. There are 596 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sparta?
The median home value in Sparta is $120,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,186. For renters, the median monthly rent is $722. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,703.
How are the schools in Sparta?
Schools in Sparta score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Sparta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sparta?
The obesity rate in Sparta is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,153.
What is transportation like in Sparta?
The average commute in Sparta is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sparta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparta is 78.8% White, 13.2% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.