Sparta, MI
Population 4,260 · Michigan
About Sparta, MI
Sparta is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 4,260 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,474 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sparta features a median home value of $190,100, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sparta in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $954, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,834 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,226 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (539 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sparta shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sparta have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.9% of Sparta 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 1.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sparta, MI
Compared to national averages, Sparta has a median household income of $55,474 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $190,100, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $954 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Sparta's income is 16% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 4% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Sparta, MI?
Sparta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $190,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $954/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,474) that falls below the national average. However, Sparta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sparta has a population of 4,260 with a median age of 33.7 years. Compare Sparta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Sparta
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buchanan | 4,259 | $54,068 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Caro | 4,284 | $41,940 | $102,200 | Compare |
| Gaylord | 4,307 | $44,052 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Middleville | 4,327 | $71,417 | $209,000 | Compare |
| Algonac | 4,152 | $49,738 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Linden | 4,150 | $77,434 | $232,300 | Compare |
| Roosevelt Park | 4,148 | $60,938 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Lowell | 4,133 | $71,406 | $231,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sparta With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sparta
What is the population of Sparta, MI?
The population of Sparta, MI is 4,260 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Sparta?
The median household income in Sparta, MI is $55,474 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sparta?
The median home value in Sparta, MI is $190,100, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sparta?
The median monthly rent in Sparta, MI is $954, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sparta?
The unemployment rate in Sparta, MI is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sparta, MI a good place to live?
Sparta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,260 and a median age of 33.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sparta, MI?
20.9% of residents in Sparta 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 Sparta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sparta, MI: median home value is $190,100 (22% below national), median rent is $954/month, and median household income is $55,474. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sparta?
The poverty rate in Sparta, MI is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sparta, MI?
Sparta's population is 1.5% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.