Sparta, Missouri

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Sparta, Missouri
settlement_type = City
nickname =
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mapsize = 250x200px
map_caption = Location of Sparta, Missouri


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Missouri
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Christian
government_footnotes =
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leader_title =
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unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =

area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 2.3
area_land_km2 = 2.3
area_water_km2 = 0.0
area_total_sq_mi = 0.9
area_land_sq_mi = 0.9
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0

population_as_of = 2000
population_footnotes =
population_total = 1144
population_density_km2 = 503.6
population_density_sq_mi = 1304.3

timezone = Central (CST)
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 428
elevation_ft = 1404
latd = 37 |latm = 0 |lats = 1 |latNS = N
longd = 93 |longm = 5 |longs = 0 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 65753
area_code = 417
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 29-69302GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0752280GR|3
website =
footnotes =

Sparta is a city in Christian County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,144 at the 2000 census. In 2006 the population was estimated to be around 1,600 with the population expected to be under 1,000 by the year 2020 due to strong decline in the residential sector the area is experiencing. Sparta is the 3rd largest city in Christian County in terms of population.

Sparta is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

Sparta is located in missouri coor dms|37|0|1|N|93|5|0|W|city (37.000320, -93.083407)GR|1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²), all of it land.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 1,144 people, 463 households, and 324 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,304.3 people per square mile (501.9/km²). There were 509 housing units at an average density of 580.3/sq mi (223.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.50% White, 0.26% African American, 0.87% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.35% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.22% of the population.

There were 463 households out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city the population was spread out with 30.9% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 80.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,768, and the median income for a family was $27,981. Males had a median income of $25,227 versus $17,206 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,869. About 14.3% of families and 87.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.

parta R-III School District

The Sparta R-III School District is located in the town of Sparta, Missouri which is in southwest Missouri approximately 30 miles northeast of Branson. The school is a K-12 institution of about 760 students that serves the small town of Sparta (pop ~1600) and the surrounding area.

The School District is fully accredited and even achieved Accredited With Distinction in Performance for the 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008 school years. Accredited With Distinction in Performance is the highest honor a school in Missouri can receive.

"Earning Distinction in Performance is a significant accomplishment and a prestigious honor. A school district must be performing at a high level or making steady progress in all areas of academic achievement. This award is a point of pride for students, teachers, administrators and the entire community. I commend all of this year’s recipients," said Commissioner of Education D. Kent King

The school offers a wide range of classes and sports/activities for the students to participate in. The school's sports programs (represented by their mascot the Trojan) have seen considerable success over the past few years with the baseball and boy's basketball teams each winning their respective district and conference championships during the years of 2002-2004, with the baseball team taking 1st place at the MSHSAA Class 1A State Championship in 2003 and 4th place in 2004. Brad Freeman, Brice Kissee, Luke Ruggles, and Andrew are the leading players of the team and eddie roller just sucks. They hope to lead the team to another state championship. The school's softball team has gone undefeated during their Spring seasons the past two years while also capturing the SWCL (Southwest Central League) conference championship becoming the 2x defending champions heading into the 2008 season. The boys track team also captured the SWCL championship in 2006.

The School District is currently in the planning stages of a major expansion/renovation of their facilities.

August 7th, 2007 Elections (Park Tax)

If approved by voters, the sales tax in Sparta would go up a half-cent to create a city park. Sparta's current sales tax of 6.725 cents on the dollar would jump to 7.225 cents for seven years and then back off to 6.975 cents.Revenue would be used to purchase, construct and maintain a park at a location to be determined.

The half-cent hike "would only add about 50 cents on a $100 purchase," said city clerk Jane Sherrow.This is only the first step. No land would be purchased until the money is available, she added."Council members have looked at different areas in town, but not too many sites are available. First we'll have to get the money."

Resident Marlena Burks — who was instrumental in getting the issue placed on the ballot — said that more than a dozen children live on her block alone."In the afternoons and evenings, families get out and play with our kids," she said. "It would really be nice to have a place that's not in the road and also a healthy environment."

The city currently has no park, Sherrow said.

A Community Storm Shelter and a walking trail could also be built if the sales tax gets approved by the voters.

The Tax Increase was passed by voters with a margin of 93-70. The tax will go into effect January, 2008. The city is currently contacting land-owners for ideas for a location for the park.

References

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