Sparta, Tennessee

Geography Sparta is located at 35°55'56" North, 85°28'11" West (35.932335, -85.469837)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.4 km² (6.3 mi²). 16.4 km² (6.3 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 4,599 people, 1,952 households, and 1,270 families residing in the city. The population density is 280.1/km² (725.2/mi²). There are 2,192 housing units at an average density of 133.5/km² (345.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 91.82% White, 5.28% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 1.15% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,952 households out of which 27.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% are married couples living together, 17.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% are non-families. 32.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 17.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.24 and the average family size is 2.81.

In the city the population is spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 85.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 77.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $23,775, and the median income for a family is $33,060. Males have a median income of $26,970 versus $20,295 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,340. 21.3% of the population and 16.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 30.3% are under the age of 18 and 14.3% are 65 or older.