Living in Sparks, NV
Sparks is the 287th-largest city in the US, home to about 112,000 people in 2025. It has grown 3.2% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (101.0 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 111,902+3.2% since 2020
- Median home value
- $483,8005.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,716/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $89,056median, per year
- Price level
- 101.0US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 48° / 94°lows 26° / 60°
- Average commute
- 24 min11% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Washoe County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 4,413 ft
Metro area: Reno, NV
Cost of living in Sparks
The median home in Sparks is worth $483,800 and the median household earns $89,056 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,716 a month, about 23% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Reno, NV metro area at 101.0, with housing at 123.5 and goods at 96.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $75,800 here. Nevada has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Nevada is 8.24%.
What would my salary be worth in Sparks?
Sparks weather
Average highs run from 48°F in January to 94°F in July, and January nights average 26°F. It gets 7 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 21 inches of snow. Expect about 65 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 122 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to June and September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Sparks
People and work
The median resident is 37.2 years old, and 28% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 60% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 11% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.2326th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 28%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 60%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,06636.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%1% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.2%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 8.5%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1993median year
Who moves to Sparks, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Las Vegas (Clark County), Lyon County, NV and Carson City, NV. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Lyon County, NV, Las Vegas (Clark County) and Carson City, NV. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Washoe County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, wildfire, inland flooding, earthquake.
Home prices
+3.8% in a year
Up 30% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Reno, NV area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
50% good days
2 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Reno, NV area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Sparks
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of Nevada-Reno 5 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Sparks
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Reno-Tahoe International Airport RNO | 4 mi | 2,377,780 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Sparks
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Reno | 5 mi | 15,599 | $13,797 | 60% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Sparks
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 20, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 12 and the first frost comes around October 23.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Reno Tahoe Intl. Airport, NV, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Sparks.
Wildfire smoke in Sparks
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Sparks on about 51 days a year, including about 19 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Sparks
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 42,414 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Sparks
Downtown Sparks is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washoe County School District | Pre-K to 12 | 63,559 | 113 | 19.0 |
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Sparks's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Sparks's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Meridian, ID75% matchCompare
- Boise, ID74% matchCompare
- Orem, UT72% matchCompare
- Colorado Springs, CO70% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Sparks
- Mount Rose Ski Tahoe 18 miles
- Diamond Peak 23 miles
- Northstar California 28 miles
- Tahoe Donner Downhill 32 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Sparks
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Nevada has no state income tax on wages.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Sparks report card from locals
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Cities near Sparks
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reno, NV | 5 mi | 283,621 | $548,300 | 101.0 | Compare |
| Rocklin, CA | 96 mi | 76,821 | $703,400 | 106.7 | Compare |
| Folsom, CA | 98 mi | 91,983 | $755,200 | 106.7 | Compare |
| Roseville, CA | 100 mi | 167,302 | $661,400 | 106.7 | Compare |
| Citrus Heights, CA | 102 mi | 86,348 | $454,600 | 106.7 | Compare |
| Rancho Cordova, CA | 106 mi | 87,554 | $477,600 | 106.7 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Sparks with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Sparks a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no state income tax on wages. Compare Sparks side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Sparks?
The Census Bureau estimates Sparks had 111,902 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 108,456 in April 2020 (+3.2%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Sparks?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $75,800 in the Sparks area. The median household here earns $89,056.
When is the best time to visit Sparks?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to June and September are the most comfortable months. July averages 94°F and January 48°F for daytime highs.
What county is Sparks in?
Sparks is in Washoe County, Nevada. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Sparks in?
Sparks is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Sparks?
About 4,413 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Nevada have a state income tax?
No. Nevada does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Sparks. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Reno, NV metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Reno Tahoe Intl. Airport, NV station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.