Sparta, Georgia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Sparta, Georgia had a total population of 1,830, the 313th largest city in Georgia. The poverty rate is 47.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (47.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 6.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Unemployment rate of 9.2% is notably above the national average.
Sparta Quick Facts
How Sparta Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,827 | 1,830 | +0.2% |
| Median home value | $56,500 | $56,400 | -0.2% |
How Sparta Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Sparta Rankings in Georgia
Explore Georgia Rankings
Cities Similar to Sparta
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester | 1,808 | $56,048 | $82,500 | 5.3% | 38.4% |
| Fairplay | 1,881 | $119,667 | $355,200 | 22.7% | 1.7% |
| Homer | 1,892 | $89,083 | $311,400 | 23.3% | 8.5% |
| Oxford | 1,770 | $56,563 | $208,000 | 26.6% | 12.1% |
| Lincolnton | 1,768 | $43,935 | $207,100 | 16.6% | 12.4% |
Population Overview
Sparta is a small community located in Georgia, within Hancock County. The total population is 1,830. It ranks as the 313th most populous out of 669 Census-designated places in Georgia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Sparta is 33.4 years. This is 11% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 47.0%. This is 251% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.4%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 9.2%. This is 79% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $56,400. Housing costs are 81% lower than the state median of $303,300. 52.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% lower than the state average of 65.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
Sparta has a predominantly Black or African American population, comprising 89.5% of all residents. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 6.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (6.3%) is well below the state average of 49.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (89.5% vs 30.7%). The Asian population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 4.5%.
Education
6.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 81% lower than the state rate of 34.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Sparta, Georgia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Georgia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 669 Census-designated places in Georgia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sparta, Georgia?
Sparta, Georgia has a population of 1,830 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Sparta, GA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Sparta — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Sparta, GA?
The poverty rate in Sparta is 47.0%. This means approximately 826 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Sparta, Georgia?
Sparta's population is 6.3% White, 89.5% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Sparta, GA?
The median home value in Sparta is $56,400.
How educated is Sparta, Georgia?
6.6% of adults (25+) in Sparta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.