What to know when moving to Sparks, NV
Sparks at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A growing community where 53.4% of residents rent and the median household income is $64,496.
- The Major Draw:
- Close proximity to parks like Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, rated 4.7 with over 4,292 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- The poverty rate is 15%, which may affect local services and amenities.
- Commute:
- Only 4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,276.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Sparks, you will find a blend of established and newer residents, with 14.3% holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a population of around 40,772, and more than half of its residents are renters. With an average household income of $64,496, the community faces a poverty rate of 15%, which can impact lifestyle choices and available amenities.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high percentage of public transit users, as only 4% of residents commute via public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,276, making it relatively accessible compared to some other areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $332,000.
- With 53.4% of residents renting, you can expect a competitive rental market.
- The poverty rate stands at 15%, indicating some economic challenges within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Nevada show a complex picture, with property crime at an annual rate of 1,984.8 per 100,000, which is 28.3% higher than the national average. However, property crime has decreased by 17.9% since 2022. Violent crime is at a rate of 372.9 per 100,000, which is 14.6% higher than the national average and has dropped by 18.9% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 372.9 per 100k (state) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national)
- Property crime: 1,984.8 per 100k (state) vs. 1,546.9 per 100k (national)
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 35.3% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Nevada).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in the area includes several institutions, providing various opportunities for residents.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 11
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 8
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Sparks offers several parks and outdoor activities for residents and visitors.
- Rancho San Rafael Regional Park - Rating: 4.7 (4,292 reviews)
- Idlewild Park - Rating: 4.6 (4,184 reviews)
- Sparks Marina Park - Rating: 4.5 (3,681 reviews)
- National Automobile Museum - Rating: 4.8 (2,381 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.