Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Sparta, MO Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

139

Median Agei

32.7

Race & Ethnicityi

White

89.2%124

Two or More

10.8%15

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

5.2%5

High School Diploma

48.5%47

Some College (<1 yr)

5.2%5

Some College (1+ yr)

10.3%10

Associate's Degree

7.2%7

Bachelor's Degree

11.3%11

HS or Higher

87.6%

BA or Higher

11.3%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$180,600

Median Renti

$861

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

64.6%2,763

Renter-Occupied

35.4%1,511

Total Units

4,517

Homeownership

64.6%

Vacancy Rate

5.4%

Home Values

Under $50K

11.1%306

$50K–$100K

7.4%205

$100K–$150K

21%579

$150K–$200K

21.4%592

$200K–$300K

24.4%675

$300K–$500K

11.6%320

$500K–$1M

3.1%86

Rent Distribution

Under $500

190

$500–$750

193

$750–$1,000

413

$1,000–$1,250

373

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

Year Built

2020 or later

0.4%17

2010–2019

8.2%372

2000–2009

4.6%210

1990–1999

17.8%805

1980–1989

12.1%545

1970–1979

12.6%568

1960–1969

6%273

1950–1959

9.6%435

1940–1949

11.2%507

1939 or earlier

17.4%785

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

65.4%2,795

Electricity

26.8%1,147

Fuel Oil

3.2%137

Bottled/LP Gas

3%130

No Fuel

1.5%65

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$64,973

Mean Household Incomei

$75,950

Per Capita Incomei

$33,305

Poverty Ratei

11.1%

Unemploymenti

4.2%

Labor Forcei

5,505

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

2%84

$10K–$15K

4.8%207

$15K–$20K

3.2%136

$20K–$25K

3.6%153

$25K–$30K

6.1%260

$30K–$35K

5.3%225

$35K–$40K

3.5%148

$40K–$45K

5.7%244

$45K–$50K

4.3%182

$50K–$60K

9%383

$60K–$75K

11.4%487

$75K–$100K

15.3%652

$100K–$125K

13.1%558

$125K–$150K

6.5%279

$150K–$200K

3.7%159

$200K+

2.7%117

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

239

Residentsi

233

Avg. Tenant Renti

$398/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

20 months

Programs in this community

Public Housing56 homes96% occupied$406/mo rent

Government-owned housing managed by local housing authorities

Housing Choice Vouchers77 homes59% occupied$439/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 8106 homes92% occupied$365/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $64,973/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $19K/yr

70.7%

Very low income$19K–$32K/yr

29.3%

Who Receives This Housing

67.9% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

3.8% of subsidized households are minority

42.5% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

53.5% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

657(8.6% of civilian adults)