Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sparta, NC
Thinking of moving to Sparta, NC? This charming mountain town has a population of about 1,700 and offers affordable living, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $780. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 19-minute commutes, and a friendly, close-knit atmosphere. With quality local schools, beautiful seasons, and easy access to outdoor recreation, Sparta is a great pick for those seeking small-town life in the scenic North Carolina mountains.
Demographics - Sparta, NC
Demographics - Sparta, NC
Sparta is a small town of about 1,700 residents, with a population density of 800 per square mile and a median age of 46.5. The community is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
1,700
Density:
800 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.5
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sparta, NC?
The cost of living in Sparta is notably affordable, with a median home value of $185,000 and average rents around $780. Utility costs and state taxes are moderate, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$335
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
65.4
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
83.7
Health Care:
95.1
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Sparta, NC a safe place to live?
Sparta experiences a low crime rate, with just 160 violent crimes and 1,350 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents enjoy a high sense of safety, with the chance of encountering violent crime at about 1 in 625.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,510
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 625
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Sparta, NC year-round?
Sparta has four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 81°F and cool winters with lows around 26°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall each year and enjoys sunshine 57% of the time, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Local households in Sparta have a median income of $38,800, and the community features a relatively high rate of home ownership. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 18.5%, most residents have a short commute of under 20 minutes and benefit from a friendly small-town environment.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$38,800
Family Income:
$43,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,900
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$25,600
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.3%
Education
How are the schools in Sparta, NC?
Sparta offers quality public schools, including Sparta Elementary and Alleghany High, with favorable student-to-teacher ratios around 14:1. Higher education options include a local community college center, while Appalachian State University is just 40 miles away, broadening educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Sparta Elementary School
Street:
450 North Main St
Phone:
336-372-8546
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Alleghany High School
Street:
404 Trojan Ave
Phone:
336-372-4554
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Colleges
Name:
Wilkes Community College (Alleghany Center)
City:
Sparta
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
200
Name:
Appalachian State University
City:
Boone
State:
NC
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to Alleghany Health, a general hospital with emergency services, and there are 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, supporting a solid foundation for healthcare needs in the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Alleghany Health
Address:
233 Doctors St, Sparta, NC 28675
Phone:
(336) 372-5511
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sparta, NC?
Sparta's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $185,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 70%. Home values have appreciated 6.5% in the past year, and rental vacancies remain moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Sparta residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby North Wilkesboro. Services include licensing, registration, and information accessible both in person and online through the state DMV.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
841 Wilkesboro Blvd, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone:
336-838-4700
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.