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Sparwood, BC

British Columbia

Sparwood is a small town in British Columbia with a population of 4,148. Residents earn $112,000 per year, which is 49% above the national average.

3.3 /5.0
B Good
4,148 Population 56/sq mi density
$112,000 Median Income $68,400 per capita
$332,000 Home Value
$1,000 Median Rent 11.0% income on rent
36°F Avg Temperature 286 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.3 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.2 / 5.0
$112,000 median income, 7.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$332,000 home value, $1,000/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
7.2% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Sparwood, BC

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $112,000
49% higher than US avg
Home Value $332,000
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 7.2%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,000
14% lower than US avg
Unemployment 7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.6%
47% lower than US avg

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

People

Population4,148
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density56/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%

Economy

A
Median Income$112,000
Per Capita$68,400
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty6.6%
Commute26 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$332,000
Rent$1,000
Ownership71.6%
Housing Units1,815
Rent Burden11.0%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp36°F (2°C)
Rain27.4 in/yr
Sunny Days286/yr
Elevation3,740 ft (1,140 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+7.2%
High School+37.2%
Graduate+2.6%

Community

Commute26 min

Is Sparwood a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Sparwood receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Sparwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Sparwood is $112,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 49% above $75,149. This places Sparwood among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Sparwood is $332,000, 18% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

7.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.2% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Sparwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 286 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.4 inches, including 13.5 inches of snow.

Sparwood has a population of 4,148 with a density of 56 people per square mile, spread across 73.9 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 1.3% Black, 1.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents.

Population

4,148
Total Population
2021 Census
56
People / sq mi
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
73.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.6%
Female 48.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Sparwood vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish 1.3%
90% below US avg
Other Languages 5.7%

Social Characteristics

Sparwood vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Sparwood is $112,000, which is 49% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $68,400 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,315. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 129 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Sparwood vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$112,000
49% above US avg
Per Capita Income$68,400
Avg Weekly Wage$1,315

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.1%
97% above US avg
Poverty Rate6.6%
47% below US avg
Establishments (County)129

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time25.8 min
Drive Alone81.4%
Public Transit2.8%
Work from Home8.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Sparwood is $332,000, 18% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,000 (14% below the national average of $1,163). 71.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,815 total housing units in the city. 11.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$332,000
18% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,000
14% below US avg
Rent Burden11.0%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership71.6%
Owner-Occupied71.6%
Renter-Occupied28.4%
Housing Units1,815

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Sparwood receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Sparwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Sparwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 286 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 27.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 3,740 feet.

Temperature

14°F Jan (-10°C) 56°F Jul (13°C)
Annual Average35.5°F
34% below US avg
January Average14°F (-10°C)
July Average56°F (13°C)
Sunny Days286 days/yr

Geography

Elevation3,740 ft (1,140 m)
Area73.9 sq mi (191.3 km²)
Population Density56/sq mi
Coordinates49.7333°N, 114.8853°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 27.4"
28% below US avg
Snowfall 13.5"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.15"
Driest Month (Aug) 1.77"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

31 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 30, 2024.

Mar 4, 2000 35 km S of Pincher Creek, Canada M4.6 88 km
Mar 22, 2006 8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana M4.3 103 km
Feb 5, 2023 British Columbia, Canada M3.9 110 km
Feb 28, 2000 10 km NNE of Sparwood, Canada M3.8 11 km
Jul 28, 2002 29 km SSE of Canmore, Canada M3.6 126 km
Jun 18, 1991 15 km SW of Black Diamond, Canada M3.5 101 km
Nov 21, 1992 Western Montana M3.4 131 km
Feb 14, 2012 6 km ESE of Stryker, Montana M3.3 120 km
Apr 10, 2018 3 km SSW of Stryker, Montana M3.3 121 km
Jan 12, 2008 38 km W of Pincher Creek, Canada M3.3 39 km
Jan 3, 2021 19 km ENE of Stryker, Montana M3.2 110 km
Oct 15, 2000 33 km SSW of Pincher Creek, Canada M3.2 85 km
Feb 15, 2020 37 km ESE of Nelson, Canada M3.2 144 km
Sep 29, 2016 4 km NE of Sparwood, Canada M3.2 4 km
Aug 29, 1997 12 km N of Troy, Montana M3.1 147 km
Sep 14, 2017 2 km NNE of Olney, Montana M3.0 131 km
Apr 8, 1990 2 km NW of Olney, Montana M3.0 131 km
Apr 10, 2011 16 km SE of Invermere, Canada M2.9 104 km
Jan 20, 2024 8 km S of Cardston, Canada M2.8 133 km
Feb 10, 2016 29 km NNW of Kimberley, Canada M2.8 89 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Wildfire History

9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: WEDGE CANYON (51,987 ac, 2003).

Year Name Acres Distance
2003 WEDGE CANYON 51,987 100 km
2017 CARIBOU 28,101 90 km
1994 NORTH FORK COMPLEX (STARVATION) 8,990 93 km
2017 UNNAMED 6,755 98 km
2017 GIBRALTER RIDGE 6,299 97 km
2022 WEASEL 5,752 83 km
2017 WEASEL 3,942 87 km
2000 PARKE PEAK 1,988 99 km
1998 KOPSI CREEK 1,016 95 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 14°F (-10°C) 2.3 in Coldest
February 19°F (-7°C) 1.9 in
March 26°F (-3°C) 2.1 in
April 34°F (1°C) 2.0 in
May 43°F (6°C) 2.6 in
June 50°F (10°C) 3.2 in Wettest
July 56°F (13°C) 2.2 in
August 56°F (14°C) 1.8 in Warmest, Driest
September 48°F (9°C) 2.0 in
October 38°F (4°C) 2.1 in
November 25°F (-4°C) 3.0 in
December 17°F (-8°C) 2.4 in

Sparwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 14°F in January to 56°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and August the driest (1.8").

View full weather details →
7.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 79% below the national average of 33.7%. 37.2% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, while 2.8% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+7.2%
79% below US avg
High School+37.2%
Graduate Degree+2.6%
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density56/sq mi
Total Area73.9 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute25.8 min
Drive Alone81.4%
Public Transit2.8%
Work from Home8.6%

Radio Stations near Sparwood

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Sparwood

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Fernie Museum

Libraries in Sparwood

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Fernie Heritage Library0.0
Sparwood Public Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Sparwood

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Fernie Mountain Market

Hotels in Sparwood

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Causeway Bay Hotel & Conference Centre

Cafes in Sparwood

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Tim Hortons

Clinics in Sparwood

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Sparwood Primary Health Care

Dentists in Sparwood

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Sparwood Dental Clinic

Gas Stations in Sparwood

3 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Agri-Green Biodiesel
Esso
Husky

Banks in Sparwood

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

East Kootenay Credit Union
RBC

Shopping Malls in Sparwood

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Greenwood Mall

Golf Courses in Sparwood

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Sparwood Golf Club

Breweries in Sparwood

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Fernie Brewing Company

Ski Resorts Near Sparwood

4 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Castle Mountain Resort 0.0 $0
Fernie Alpine Resort 0.0 $0
Island Lake Cat Skiing 0.0 $0
Wapiti 0.0 $0

Airports Near Sparwood

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Lionel P. Demers Memorial AirparkSmall Airport
Moose City AirportSmall Airport
Sparwood Elk Valley AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Sparwood

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Sparwood

Explore Near Sparwood

UFO Sightings
2
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Sparwood.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sparwood

What is the population of Sparwood?

Sparwood has a population of 4,148 residents and is located in British Columbia. The population density is 56 people per square mile, spread across 73.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.

Is Sparwood expensive to live in?

The median household income is $112,000, 49% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $332,000 (18% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Sparwood safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sparwood receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Sparwood?

Sparwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 286 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.4 inches, with 13.5 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Sparwood?

The unemployment rate in Sparwood is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,315. There are 129 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Sparwood?

The median home value in Sparwood is $332,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,000. The homeownership rate is 71.6%.

How are the schools in Sparwood?

7.2% of adults in Sparwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.2% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Sparwood?

The average commute in Sparwood is 26 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, 2.8% use public transit, and 8.6% work from home.

What are the demographics of Sparwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparwood is 96% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian. 93% of residents speak only English at home.

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