Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Sparta, Illinois is a small city with a population of 4,447 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 73% of Sparta residents are White, 23% Black and 2% Asian. An important consideration when living in Sparta is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 30 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Sparta could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Sparta and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Sparta to Illinois and the national average.
Using data and statistics Sparta has received a livability score of 57/100. This score is ranked in the 28th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Sparta may not be a pleasant experience. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Sparta scores well for crime (B-) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Sparta. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F) and education (F).
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 168 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Sparta boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Sparta can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Sparta. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Sparta are affordable. Median real estate prices in Sparta come in at $171,489, which is 44.4% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sparta, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 37.1% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Sparta | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.0% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.3% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.9% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.0% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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