Sparta, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $61,630

18% lower than US avg

Home Value $167,400

41% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 11.3%

66% lower than US avg

Median Rent $778

33% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 37.7%

17% higher than US avg

Unemployment 1.3%

64% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 7.0%

44% lower than US avg

How Sparta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population2,378

Median Age35.0 yrs

Density1,918/mi²

Male / Female45% / 55%

Largest GroupWhite 97%

Veterans5.7%

Economy

Median Income$61,630

Per Capita$26,828

Unemployment1.3%

Poverty7.0%

Commute37 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$167,400

Rent$778

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$254,402

Housing Units1,049

Rent Burden23.9%

Health

Obesity37.7%

Uninsured8.5%

Smoking17.6%

Depression26.9%

Heart Disease5.7%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain43.9 in/yr

Sunny Days256/yr

Elevation1,417 ft (432 m)

Education

Bachelor's+11.3%

High School+91.5%

Graduate+2.1%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute37 min

Broadband84.6%

Is Sparta a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Sparta receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. 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 $61,630, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Sparta is $167,400, 41% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $778 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

11.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

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 256 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.9 inches, including 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Sparta has a population of 2,378 with a density of 1,918 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,378

Total Population

1,918

People / sq mi

35.0yrs

Median Age

10% below US avg

1.2mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.4%

Female 54.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Sparta vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	99.2%
	26% above US avg
Spanish	0.8%
	94% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Sparta vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Sparta is $61,630, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,828 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Sparta vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$61,630
	18% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$26,828

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	1.3%
	64% below US avg
Poverty Rate	7.0%
	44% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	36.7 min
Drive Alone	87.5%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	4.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Sparta is $167,400, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,402, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $778 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 1,049 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. 23.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$167,400
	41% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$254,402
Median List Price	$404,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$404,000
$/Sq Ft	$144
Homes Sold	2
Sale-to-List Ratio	0.0%
Price Drops	33.3%
Inventory	3

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$778
	33% below US avg
Rent Burden	23.9%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	66.4%
Housing Units	1,049
Median Year Built	1995

Property Tax

In Sparta, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Sparta vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	37.7%
	17% above US avg
Diabetes	9.9%
Heart Disease	5.7%
High Blood Pressure	32.6%
Asthma	11.1%
COPD	7.5%
Cancer	7.5%
Stroke	3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	17.6%
	26% above US avg
Binge Drinking	17.9%
Physical Inactivity	28.5%
Depression	26.9%
Mental Distress	19.7%
Physical Distress	14.3%
Short Sleep	40.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	90.3%
Uninsured	8.5%
	1% below US avg
Checkup Rate	76.1%
Dental Visits	61.2%

Food & Exercise

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 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.9 inches. The area receives 5.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,417 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	55.3°F
	2% above US avg
January Average	31°F (-1°C)
July Average	77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	256 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	43.9 inches
	16% above US avg
Snowfall	5.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,417 ft (432 m)
Area	1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²)
Population Density	1,918/sq mi
Coordinates	37.0012°N, 93.0816°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	31°F (-1°C)	1.9 in	Coldest, Driest
February	36°F (2°C)	2.1 in
March	46°F (8°C)	4.0 in
April	55°F (13°C)	4.1 in
May	64°F (18°C)	4.8 in	Wettest
June	72°F (22°C)	4.4 in
July	77°F (25°C)	3.5 in	Warmest
August	76°F (25°C)	3.5 in
September	69°F (20°C)	4.6 in
October	57°F (14°C)	3.9 in
November	45°F (7°C)	3.9 in
December	36°F (2°C)	3.2 in

Sparta has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F — from 31°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (1.9").

11.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 66% below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 84.6% of households have broadband internet access. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	11.3%
	66% below US avg
High School+	91.5%
Graduate Degree+	2.1%
School Test Score	5.51

D Education Grade (1.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,918/sq mi
Total Area	1.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	84.6%
Alt Fuel Stations	1

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	36.7 min
Drive Alone	87.5%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	4.3%

Frequently Asked Questions About Sparta

What is the population of Sparta?

Sparta has a population of 2,378 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,918 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.

Is Sparta expensive to live in?

Sparta is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,630, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $167,400 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $778 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

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 256 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.9 inches, with 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Sparta?

The job market in Sparta is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Sparta?

The median home value in Sparta is $167,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,402. For renters, the median monthly rent is $778. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Sparta?

Schools in Sparta score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.3% of adults in Sparta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Sparta?

The obesity rate in Sparta is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Sparta?

The average commute in Sparta is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Sparta?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparta is 97.3% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Ozark, MO 21,953 pop · 7.0 mi Rogersville, MO 4,496 pop · 8.1 mi Fremont Hills, MO 1,326 pop · 10.2 mi Highlandville, MO 1,049 pop · 12.0 mi Nixa, MO 24,131 pop · 12.1 mi Battlefield, MO 6,095 pop · 17.8 mi Strafford, MO 2,609 pop · 18.6 mi Springfield, MO 169,432 pop · 19.0 mi Seymour, MO 2,081 pop · 20.0 mi Merriam Woods, MO 2,203 pop · 20.3 mi Clever, MO 2,977 pop · 21.7 mi Forsyth, MO 2,749 pop · 21.9 mi Kissee Mills, MO 1,182 pop · 22.0 mi Republic, MO 19,233 pop · 23.5 mi

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