Median Income
$43,250
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,700
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.7%
83% higher than US avg
How Sparta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population212
Median Age36.0 yrs
Density34/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,250
Per Capita$26,642
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty22.7%
County GDP$461M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,700
Rent$850
Ownership74.4%
Zillow$237,556
Housing Units132
Rent Burden34.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property240/100K
Health
Obesity31.0%
Smoking20.7%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation748 ft (228 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute33 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Sparta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sparta receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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 $43,250, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sparta is $105,700, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x 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 240 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Sparta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sparta has a population of 212 with a density of 34 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 36.0 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.2% of residents, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.0yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.2%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.8%
19% below US avg
The median household income in Sparta is $43,250, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,642 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,355. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 162 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,250 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,642 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,355 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,980 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 162 |
| County GDP | $461M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,778 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sparta is $105,700, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,556, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 132 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $2,778 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,700 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,556 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.6% |
| Housing Units | 132 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,778 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Sparta, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194. The dentist ratio is 1:8,763. 46.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Sparta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,194 |
| Dentists | 1:8,763 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,256 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,177/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 46.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Sparta has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 240 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sparta receives a safety grade of C+.
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 | 239.8/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Sparta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 74°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 47.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 748 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 748 ft (228 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 34/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6954°N, 84.9061°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Gallatin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.7"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
94 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
83 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
94 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
465 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 59 fatalities, 2,154 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
31 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
26 km |
4 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
73 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
92 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
85 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
11 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
50 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
60 km |
3 |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
49 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
48 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
56 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
50 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
55 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
50 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
49 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
51 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
53 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
46 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
48 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Sparta has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 29°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.9").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $962 |
| Toddler | $818 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $807 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparta
What is the population of Sparta?
Sparta has a population of 212 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 34 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Sparta expensive to live in?
Sparta is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,250, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,700 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, 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 240 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sparta receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sparta?
Sparta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sparta?
The unemployment rate in Sparta is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,355. There are 162 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sparta?
The median home value in Sparta is $105,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,556. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,778.
How are the schools in Sparta?
Schools in Sparta have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.7% of adults in Sparta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sparta?
The obesity rate in Sparta is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 46.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194.
What is transportation like in Sparta?
The average commute in Sparta is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sparta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparta is 78.8% White, 1.4% Black or African American. 89.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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