Median Income
$55,474
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$190,100
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
182/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.9%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$954
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Sparta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,260
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density1,671/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,474
Per Capita$27,440
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$60,316M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$190,100
Rent$954
Ownership69.5%
Zillow$325,540
Housing Units1,772
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent182/100K
Property1,640/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault91/100K
Burglary159/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking15.9%
Depression30.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation767 ft (234 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.9%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute27 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries31
Is Sparta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sparta receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $55,474, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sparta is $190,100, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $954 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sparta is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,640 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sparta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches, including 48.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sparta has a population of 4,260 with a density of 1,671 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Sparta is $55,474, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,440 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 17,705 business establishments, including 1,419 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 13.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,474 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,440 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,553 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,705 |
| County GDP | $60,316M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,419 |
| Healthcare | 1,927 |
| Retail | 2,160 |
| Manufacturing | 1,097 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,376 |
| 111% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.7% |
The median home value in Sparta is $190,100, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $325,540, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $954 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,772 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $7,376 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $190,100 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $325,540 |
| Median List Price | $424,750 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $424,750 |
| $/Sq Ft | $225 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $954 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,772 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,376 |
| 111% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.88% |
In Sparta, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 30.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,068. The dentist ratio is 1:1,255. 95.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sparta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 30.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,068 |
| Dentists | 1:1,255 |
| Mental Health | 1:192 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,630/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,927 |
Sparta has a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 91.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 91.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,640 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,458, burglary at 159, vehicle theft at 23 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 50 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sparta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sparta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 182.2/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 91.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 91.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,639.7/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| Burglary | 159.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,457.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 22.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 50 |
| Traffic Accidents | 85 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sparta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. The area receives 48.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 767 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 767 ft (234 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,671/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1567°N, 85.7110°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kent County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0423 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 11.2 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.18 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.31 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
105 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
253 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 758 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
70 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
23 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1989 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
70 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
53 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Sparta has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 23°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.4").
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) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $750 |
| Toddler | $750 |
| Preschool | $590 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $897 |
| Toddler | $897 |
| Preschool | $804 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparta
What is the population of Sparta?
Sparta has a population of 4,260 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,671 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Sparta expensive to live in?
Sparta has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,474, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $190,100 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $954 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sparta safe?
Sparta is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,640 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sparta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sparta?
Sparta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches, with 48.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sparta?
Sparta has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 17,705 business establishments in the area, including 1,419 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 13.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sparta?
The median home value in Sparta is $190,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $325,540. For renters, the median monthly rent is $954. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.5%. The average annual property tax is $7,376.
How are the schools in Sparta?
Schools in Sparta score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.9% of adults in Sparta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sparta?
The obesity rate in Sparta is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 30.5% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 95.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,068.
What is transportation like in Sparta?
The average commute in Sparta is 27 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sparta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparta is 92.1% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.