Sparta, WI
Population 9,921 · Wisconsin
About Sparta, WI
Sparta is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 9,921 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,517 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sparta features a median home value of $168,800, which is 31% 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 $902, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,465 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (2,611 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,579 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 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sparta have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.0% 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 5.9% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sparta, WI
Compared to national averages, Sparta has a median household income of $60,517 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,800, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $902 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Sparta's income is 17% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 18% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Sparta, WI?
Sparta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $902/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,517) 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 9,921 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Sparta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Sparta
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reedsburg | 10,060 | $71,991 | $218,300 | Compare |
| Hartland | 9,716 | $87,297 | $358,000 | Compare |
| Sturgeon Bay | 9,702 | $56,882 | $217,600 | Compare |
| Elkhorn | 10,259 | $73,052 | $255,300 | Compare |
| New Richmond | 10,334 | $87,500 | $269,000 | Compare |
| Tomah | 9,505 | $51,185 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Portage | 10,374 | $62,785 | $187,300 | Compare |
| Hobart | 10,418 | $111,918 | $363,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Sparta, WI is 9,921 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Sparta?
The median household income in Sparta, WI is $60,517 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sparta?
The median home value in Sparta, WI is $168,800, which is 31% 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, WI is $902, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sparta?
The unemployment rate in Sparta, WI is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sparta, WI a good place to live?
Sparta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,921 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sparta, WI?
17.0% 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, WI: median home value is $168,800 (31% below national), median rent is $902/month, and median household income is $60,517. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sparta?
The poverty rate in Sparta, WI is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sparta, WI?
Sparta's population is 5.9% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.