NevadaPop. 110,024Mid-size cities
Is Sparks a Good Place to Live? Sparks, Nevada: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sparks ranks #738 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #121 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (8.5%, #58 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Sparks by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sparks's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Sparks?
Sparks's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,716/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $535,221, 21% above the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
| Measure | Sparks | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 101#742 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $535,221#874 of 1,187 | $442,027 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,140/mo#778 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $483,800#954 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,716/mo#891 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.1%#789 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Sparks housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Sparks is in the Reno, NV metro.
Nevada housing market →Is Sparks safe?
Sparks recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 4% below Nevada's 379. That ranks #668 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #128 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sparks Police Department. Property crime runs 2,264 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sparks | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 365#668 of 1,085 | 379 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,264#783 of 1,085 | 1,996 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Sparks?
The median household in Sparks earns $89,056, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sparks | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $89,056#474 of 1,312 | $81,134 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 5.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.5%#366 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sparks?
The median resident of Sparks is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 27.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #887 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sparks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 27.6%#887 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 59.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sparks's schools and health?
Sparks's 25 public schools graduate 84.7% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 20.5 students per teacher and $10,841 spent per pupil. 28.6% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sparks | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 84.7%#732 of 1,063 | 81.7% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.5#960 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,841#1077 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 28.6%#302 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13.8%#1016 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,077 students are enrolled in Sparks's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sparks?
The average commute in Sparks is 24 minutes (Nevada 25.7); 2% of workers take transit and 11.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sparks scores 10.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #644 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 37.9°F, with 7.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sparks | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24 min#682 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.7% | 70% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2% | 2.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.1% | 11.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.5#644 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47.7 | 26.1 | 1.3 |
| Feb | 52.1 | 29 | 1 |
| Mar | 59.2 | 34 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 38.5 | 0.4 |
| May | 74.1 | 46.6 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 84.6 | 53.8 | 0.4 |
| Jul | 93.9 | 60.4 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 92.1 | 58.1 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 83.8 | 50.3 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 70.4 | 39.7 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 56.7 | 31 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 46.7 | 25.7 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Reno Airport.
| Measure | Sparks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 55°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 73.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 37.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 7.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Reno Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sparks?
Washoe County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Sparks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.24%#1019 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washoe County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washoe County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.1% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.025% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 48% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Sparks compare with similar-size cities?
Sparks is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #121 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 110,024.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sparks, NVPop. 110,024 | #738 | 54.3 | $89,056 | $1,716/mo | 365 | 24 min |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 min |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #1160 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 | 24.3 min |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #763 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 | 32.5 min |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #466 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 | 24.4 min |
| Sugar Land, TXPop. 110,016 | #256 | 63.0 | $136,217 | $1,957/mo | 73 | 28.9 min |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura), CAPop. 109,857 | #591 | 56.8 | $103,069 | $2,198/mo | 351 | 24.1 min |
| San Tan Valley, AZPop. 109,189 | #1176 | 45.8 | $96,713 | $2,085/mo | no data | 36.4 min |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #354 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 | 26.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Sparks compare with the rest of Nevada?
Sparks ranks #6 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 10% above the Nevada median. Violent crime is 4% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Nevada home.
| City | Rank in NV | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #1 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #2 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #3 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #4 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 |
| Carson City, NVPop. 58,384 | #5 | 55.3 | $72,355 | $1,248/mo | 358 |
| Sparks, NVPop. 110,024 | #6 | 54.3 | $89,056 | $1,716/mo | 365 |
| Mesquite, NVPop. 22,059 | #7 | 54.3 | $75,227 | $1,181/mo | 119 |
| Reno, NVPop. 273,212 | #8 | 52.2 | $80,760 | $1,556/mo | 551 |
| Dayton, NVPop. 15,781 | #9 | 52.0 | $102,819 | $1,521/mo | no data |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #10 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data |
| Fernley, NVPop. 24,225 | #11 | 50.6 | $89,517 | $1,570/mo | no data |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #12 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 |
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #13 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #14 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #15 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data |
| Sun Valley, NVPop. 22,228 | #16 | 44.5 | $77,446 | $1,214/mo | no data |
| Whitney, NVPop. 47,221 | #17 | 43.9 | $67,155 | $1,574/mo | no data |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #18 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data |
| Winchester, NVPop. 37,081 | #19 | 39.0 | $50,120 | $1,220/mo | no data |
| Pahrump, NVPop. 47,347 | #20 | 38.9 | $62,109 | $1,304/mo | no data |
All 20 Nevada cities we track, by overall score. Nevada statewide: median income $81,134, violent crime 379.2 per 100,000.
How is Sparks's score calculated?
Sparks scores 54.3 out of 100, #738 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Nevada's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sparks. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sparks's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
67.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sparks. Similar-size median 53.8.
62.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sparks's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
39.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sparks's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
55.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sparks. Similar-size median 51.2.
63.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sparks. Similar-size median 42.1.
47.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sparks. Similar-size median 50.1.
48.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sparks's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
29.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sparks's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sparks has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Sparks
Is Sparks, NV a good place to live?
Sparks ranks #738 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #121 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (8.5%, #58 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Sparks?
Sparks's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,716/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $535,221, 21% above the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
What is the crime rate in Sparks?
Sparks recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 4% below Nevada's 379. That ranks #668 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #128 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sparks Police Department. Property crime runs 2,264 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sparks?
The median household in Sparks earns $89,056, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sparks?
Median rent in Sparks is $1,716/mo (Census), #891 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,140/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sparks?
The typical home value in Sparks is $535,221, up 1.9% in a year, against $442,027 for Nevada and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $483,800.
How are the public schools in Sparks?
Sparks's 25 public schools graduate 84.7% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 20.5 students per teacher and $10,841 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sparks?
The average commute is 24 minutes, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Nevada. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sparks?
Sparks averages 55°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 37.9°F in winter, with 7.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sparks walkable?
Sparks scores 10.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #644 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Sparks at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sparks?
Washoe County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sparks?
Sparks has 110,024 residents. The median resident of Sparks is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 27.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #887 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sparks compare with the rest of Nevada?
Sparks ranks #6 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 10% above the Nevada median. Violent crime is 4% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Nevada home.
What cities are similar in size to Sparks?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sparks's population of 110,024 are Tuscaloosa, AL (#1082 overall), Greeley, CO (#1160 overall), South Fulton, GA (#763 overall), Nampa, ID (#466 overall), and Sugar Land, TX (#256 overall). Sparks is #738.