Sparkman, AR
Population 471 · Arkansas
About Sparkman, AR
Sparkman is a small community located in Arkansas with a population of 471 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,222 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sparkman features a median home value of $61,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sparkman one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $515, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 237 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (123 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (73 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sparkman shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sparkman have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.9% of Sparkman residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.8% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sparkman Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Sparkman, AR
Compared to national averages, Sparkman has a median household income of $37,222 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $61,300, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $515 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Sparkman's income is 29% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 51% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Sparkman, AR?
Sparkman offers affordable housing with a median home value of $61,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $515/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,222) that falls below the national average. However, Sparkman’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sparkman has a population of 471 with a median age of 54.6 years. Compare Sparkman with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Sparkman
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield | 468 | $70,909 | $197,200 | Compare |
| Crawfordsville | 476 | $70,000 | $134,100 | Compare |
| Plainview | 466 | $43,750 | $106,500 | Compare |
| Gillett | 464 | $67,143 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Jasper | 462 | $28,359 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Biggers | 458 | $55,417 | $54,900 | Compare |
| Cushman | 456 | $42,411 | $115,700 | Compare |
| Arkansas City | 487 | $40,729 | $89,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sparkman With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sparkman
What is the population of Sparkman, AR?
The population of Sparkman, AR is 471 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Sparkman?
The median household income in Sparkman, AR is $37,222 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sparkman?
The median home value in Sparkman, AR is $61,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sparkman?
The median monthly rent in Sparkman, AR is $515, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sparkman?
The unemployment rate in Sparkman, AR is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sparkman, AR a good place to live?
Sparkman offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 471 and a median age of 54.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sparkman, AR?
8.9% of residents in Sparkman aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Sparkman?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sparkman, AR: median home value is $61,300 (75% below national), median rent is $515/month, and median household income is $37,222. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sparkman?
The poverty rate in Sparkman, AR is 19.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Sparkman, AR?
Sparkman's population is 3.8% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 18.3% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.