Sparta, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,271
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,728/yr
9.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,863
1.6% year-over-year change

Sparta population

How many people live in Sparta

Sparta is home to 4,271 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of Sparta locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
4,271
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
1,997
Female
53.2%
2,274
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,997 46.8% -0.5%
Female 2,274 53.2% 0.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Sparta is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.9% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
29.9%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
17.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 738 17.3% -11.3%
15 to 24 549 12.8% -10.6%
25 to 44 1,277 29.9% 6.0%
45 to 64 960 22.5% 5.6%
Over 65 747 17.5% 6.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Sparta, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,157 97.3% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 94 2.2% 5.6%
Non-citizens 20 0.5% -20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.6%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 3,913 91.6%
Black or African American 7 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.1%
Asian 52 1.2%
Two or more races 273 6.4%
Other 21 0.5%

Households in Sparta

A peek inside Sparta households

Sparta has 1,828 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.5% are families, while the remaining 44.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,828
3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
813
Family households
1,015
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 813 44.5% 11.5%
Family households 1,015 55.5% -2.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Sparta

The housing landscape of Sparta

Sparta's housing consists of 1,863 units, with 72% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,863
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,341 72%
1 unit, attached 125 6.7%
2 units 93 5%
3 or 4 units 59 3.2%
5 to 9 units 61 3.3%
10 to 19 units 57 3.1%
20 to 49 units 91 4.9%
50 or more units 36 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
65
35.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sparta

In Sparta, the median construction year is 1965. About 26.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 492 26.4% 25.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 185 9.9% -19.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 116 6.2% -29.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 253 13.6% -6.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 138 7.4% -15.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 119 6.4% -19.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 239 12.8% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 194 10.4% 59.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 62 3.3% 6.9%
Built in 2020 or later 65 3.5% 35.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Sparta occupancy rates

Out of the 1,828 occupied housing units in Sparta, 76.5% are owner-occupied, while 23.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,828
3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
429
Owner occupied
1,399
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 429 23.5% -20.4%
Owner occupied 1,399 76.5% 14.1%
Unoccupied housing units
1.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Sparta housing costs

Housing costs in Sparta come to a median of $1,113 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $983.

Median housing costs per month
$1,113/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Sparta
$983/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Sparta

Sparta education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Sparta went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 16.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 78 2.3% 66.0%
High school diploma 1,446 42.5% -3.3%
College diploma 748 22% -0.9%
Associate degree 431 12.7% 11.9%
Bachelor's degree 573 16.8% 33.9%
Graduate degree 129 3.8% -22.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Sparta

How much people earn in Sparta

The average annual household income in Sparta was $73,753 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +13.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,728, reflecting a +9.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sparta
$73,753/year
13.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sparta
$60,728/year
9.5% year-over-year change

Sparta income by age

In Sparta, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,754. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,844 overall. Overall, 90.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $64,754 9.1%
45 - 64 $59,844 -2.8%
Over 65 $55,991 43.7%
Above poverty level
3,875
Below poverty level
396
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,875 90.7% 2.7%
Below poverty level 396 9.3% -17.7%

Average renter income in Sparta

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sparta, their median household income was $30,308 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,308
Rent-to-income ratio
38.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Sparta

Workforce and job types in Sparta

The job market in Sparta is powered by 2,024 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.4% run their own businesses, 79.1% are employed by private companies, and 6.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,024
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,267
Blue collar
757
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,267 62.6% -3.7%
Blue collar 757 37.4% 4.1%
Employer type
Self employees
3.4%
Private companies
79.1%
Governmental workers
6.4%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 69 3.4% -2.8%
Private companies 1,601 79.1% -0.8%
Governmental workers 129 6.4% 3.2%
Not for profit companies 225 11.1% -3.4%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
42.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sparta stands at 6.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Sparta

How people get around in Sparta

Commuting methods vary: 80.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,624 80.8% -2.9%
Walk 41 2% -32.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Sparta by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49345 13,512 5,191 $85,463 $107,467

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FAQs about Sparta demographics 

What is the total population of Sparta?

Sparta has a total population of 4,271 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sparta?

The gender ratio in Sparta is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (1,997 residents)
  • 53.2% females (2,274 residents)

What is the median age in Sparta?

The median age in Sparta is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sparta?

The age distribution in Sparta is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (738 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (549 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.9% (1,277 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (960 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.5% (747 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sparta?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sparta is as follows:
  • White: 91.6% (3,913 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (7 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (52 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (273 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (21 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sparta are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Sparta.

How many housing units are there in Sparta?

There are 1,863 housing units in Sparta, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sparta and what is the average household size?

Sparta has a total of 1,828 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sparta?

Sparta has a median household income of $60,728, representing a +9.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sparta?

The employment rate is 93.3% in Sparta, with a workforce of 2,024 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.6% (1,267 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.4% (757 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.4% (69 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.1% (1,601 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.4% (129 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (225 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025