Sparta, NC
Population 1,957 · North Carolina
About Sparta, NC
Sparta is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,957 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,542 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.9 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 Sparta features a median home value of $215,800, which is 12% 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 $583, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,009 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (515 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (382 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sparta shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sparta have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.7% 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 5.7% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sparta Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Sparta, NC
Compared to national averages, Sparta has a median household income of $38,542 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $215,800, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $583 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Sparta's income is 40% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 6% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Sparta, NC?
Sparta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $215,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $583/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,542) 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 1,957 with a median age of 44.9 years. Compare Sparta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Sparta
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Creek | 1,963 | $57,545 | $226,000 | Compare |
| Enfield | 1,967 | $22,852 | $81,800 | Compare |
| Andrews | 1,976 | $34,879 | $97,600 | Compare |
| Glen Alpine | 1,995 | $62,917 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Cedar Point | 2,005 | $91,853 | $421,400 | Compare |
| Coats | 2,029 | $38,098 | $116,800 | Compare |
| Salem | 2,035 | $66,653 | $159,300 | Compare |
| Fairplains | 1,876 | $36,586 | $134,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Sparta, NC is 1,957 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Sparta?
The median household income in Sparta, NC is $38,542 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sparta?
The median home value in Sparta, NC is $215,800, which is 12% 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, NC is $583, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sparta?
The unemployment rate in Sparta, NC is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sparta, NC a good place to live?
Sparta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,957 and a median age of 44.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sparta, NC?
19.7% 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, NC: median home value is $215,800 (12% below national), median rent is $583/month, and median household income is $38,542. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sparta?
The poverty rate in Sparta, NC is 21.2%, 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 Sparta, NC?
Sparta's population is 5.7% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 3.8% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.