Sparks, NV
Population 109,106 · Nevada
About Sparks, NV
Sparks is a major city located in Nevada with a population of 109,106 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,979 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sparks features a median home value of $455,900, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sparks in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,651, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 44,473 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (24,748 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (16,583 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sparks shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sparks have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.3% of Sparks residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 25.8% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 14.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sparks Ranks in Nevada
Cost of Living in Sparks, NV
Compared to national averages, Sparks has a median household income of $86,979 (16% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $455,900, which is 86% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,651 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within Nevada, Sparks's income is 6% above the state average of $81,841, and home values are 5% above the state median of $433,389.
Why Live in Sparks, NV?
Sparks offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,979, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $455,900. However, as a major city, Sparks provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Sparks has a population of 109,106 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Sparks with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nevada.
Similar Cities Near Sparks
Cities in Nevada with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, Nevada | 58,364 | $71,809 | $426,700 | Compare |
| Whitney | 46,268 | $63,480 | $299,700 | Compare |
| Pahrump | 45,811 | $58,560 | $283,400 | Compare |
| Winchester | 37,774 | $49,190 | $287,100 | Compare |
| Paradise | 186,178 | $58,874 | $358,400 | Compare |
| Summerlin South | 30,075 | $113,301 | $641,600 | Compare |
| Fernley | 23,631 | $87,991 | $352,600 | Compare |
| Sun Valley | 22,697 | $76,108 | $321,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nevada
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sparks With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sparks
What is the population of Sparks, NV?
The population of Sparks, NV is 109,106 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Nevada.
What is the median household income in Sparks?
The median household income in Sparks, NV is $86,979 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sparks?
The median home value in Sparks, NV is $455,900, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sparks?
The median monthly rent in Sparks, NV is $1,651, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sparks?
The unemployment rate in Sparks, NV is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sparks, NV a good place to live?
Sparks offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 109,106 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sparks, NV?
26.3% of residents in Sparks 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 Sparks?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sparks, NV: median home value is $455,900 (86% above national), median rent is $1,651/month, and median household income is $86,979. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sparks?
The poverty rate in Sparks, NV is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sparks, NV?
Sparks's population is 25.8% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 14.7% of residents are foreign-born.