Median Income
$63,401
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,500
57% 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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$129,186
Health
Obesity41.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+93.7%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute21 min
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 affordable housing, 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.
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 5.3/10.
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. 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. The median age is 40.1 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 13.2% Black.
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. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
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 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Sparta is $120,500, 57% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $722 (38% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,186.
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 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 24.2% report depression. 26.7% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Crime Rates: Sparta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
Safety Score
Sparta has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation is 45.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 45.6 inches |
| 20% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 10.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Area | 11.2 sq mi (28.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 365/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1394°N, 89.7305°W |
| County FIPS | 17157 |