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.
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 is a small city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 4,302 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (73% White). Given that fact, Sparta could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Sparta entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 30 minutes.
Living in Sparta can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Sparta and in the areas around Sparta is a much easier task.
The livability score in Sparta is 55/100 and the city is ranked in the 24th percentile of all cities across America. 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. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Sparta has higher than average grades for the following: housing (A+). On a more negative note, Sparta does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Striving for a cost-effective lifestyle becomes increasingly essential, especially in light of the ongoing upward trajectory of everyday goods and services. In Sparta, residents enjoy the privilege of a cost of living that is 21.77% below the national average. This favorable positioning extends its influence across a broad spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also housing costs, groceries and healthcare costs. Consequently, this locale emerges as a hub where your financial resources go further, allowing you to maintain an economical and sustainable way of life. This affordability becomes increasingly significant in an era marked by escalating expenses, rendering Sparta an appealing destination for those in pursuit of financial prudence without sacrificing their quality of life.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Sparta has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Sparta is actually affordable. The median home price for Sparta homes is $95,400, which is 45.4% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Sparta, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 1.8, which is 40% lower than the Illinois average.
| 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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