Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sparks, NV
Thinking of moving to Sparks, NV? With a population of around 110,000, Sparks offers an affordable cost of living, a sunny high-desert climate, and median home prices near $470,000. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 22 minutes, a vibrant mix of public and private schools, and ample outdoor recreation. While crime rates are moderate, the city boasts quality healthcare, strong employment opportunities, and easy access to the greater Reno area for education and entertainment. Explore the details below to see if Sparks is your next home!
Demographics - Sparks, NV
Demographics - Sparks, NV
Sparks, NV is home to about 110,000 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.2, reflecting a diverse and vibrant community. The city features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with over 60% identifying as White and nearly 17% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates an urban feel while still offering plenty of space.
Population:
110,000
Density:
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
62.4%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
5.1%
Others:
29.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sparks, NV?
Sparks has a cost of living index of 117, slightly above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs with a median home value of $470,000 and typical rent around $1,600. Utilities and healthcare remain relatively affordable, and Nevada’s lack of state income tax benefits residents financially. Overall, expenses for groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous items are moderate, making Sparks a manageable place to live for many families.
Median House Value:
$470,000
Gross Rent:
$1,600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.0
Grocery:
106.8
Housing:
125.2
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
105.1
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Sparks, NV a safe place to live?
The city experiences moderate crime rates, with around 340 violent crimes and 2,270 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 294 chance of encountering violent crime and a 1 in 44 chance of property crime, which is in line with many similarly sized urban areas. Community safety measures and awareness are important for those considering a move to Sparks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
340
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,270
Crime Index:
2,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 294
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Sparks, NV year-round?
Sparks enjoys a sunny high-desert climate, boasting 79% sunny days each year and just 7.5 inches of average annual rainfall. Winters are mild with temperatures as low as 25°F, while summers can reach up to 92°F, making the city ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasons and outdoor activities. The generally dry weather creates a comfortable environment year-round.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Residents of Sparks benefit from a median household income of about $72,800 and a poverty rate of 10.2%, with most neighbors employed and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma or higher, contributing to a friendly and stable neighborhood atmosphere. Average commute times are short, and public transportation use is low, making daily life convenient.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$72,800
Family Income:
$84,200
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$37,600
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
17.4%
Rent:
$1,600
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
27.5%
Education
How are the schools in Sparks, NV?
Families in Sparks have access to a variety of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like Spanish Springs High School and Dilworth STEM Academy, as well as private options such as Excel Christian School. Higher education is readily accessible, with Truckee Meadows Community College and the University of Nevada, Reno both located within a short drive. These institutions support lifelong learning and workforce development in the region.
Public Schools
Name:
Spanish Springs High School
Street:
1065 Eagle Canyon Dr
Phone:
775-425-7733
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.5
Name:
Dilworth STEM Academy
Street:
255 Prater Way
Phone:
775-353-5740
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.8
Private Schools
Name:
Excel Christian School
Street:
850 Baring Blvd
Phone:
775-356-9995
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Truckee Meadows Community College
City:
Reno
State:
NV
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
University of Nevada, Reno
City:
Reno
State:
NV
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
20,700
Healthcare
Sparks offers access to quality healthcare, with major facilities like Northern Nevada Medical Center and Renown Regional Medical Center nearby. The city has approximately 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of the population has health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are comprehensive, supporting the needs of both individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Nevada Medical Center
Address:
2375 E Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434
Phone:
(775) 331-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Renown Regional Medical Center
Address:
1155 Mill St, Reno, NV 89502
Phone:
(775) 982-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sparks, NV?
The housing market in Sparks is competitive, with a median home price of $470,000 and a 60.5% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents around $1,600 and a low vacancy rate of 4.8%, reflecting steady demand. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates suggest a stable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$470,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Sparks residents are served by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Reno at 305 Galletti Way. The DMV provides a full range of vehicle registration, licensing, and related services, with helpful staff and online options available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents can visit the official website or call the Reno office directly.
State:
Nevada
Department:
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
305 Galletti Way, Reno, NV 89512
Phone:
(775) 684-4368
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.