Sparks

by The Linguist

Sparks is a city in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. It was founded in 1904 and incorporated in 1905. As of the 2020 census, the population of Sparks was 104,246, making it the seventh largest city in Nevada.

Population

According to the Wikipedia page for Sparks, the city had a population of 104,246 at the 2020 census. This was an increase from the 1990 population of 66,346. Some key facts about the demographics of Sparks:

  • 50.5% of the population is female and 49.5% is male
  • The median age is 37.8 years old
  • 68.7% of the population is White, 16.3% is Hispanic/Latino, 5.3% is Black, 3.2% is Asian, 2.3% is two or more races

For more details and historical population data, visit the City of Sparks demographics page.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major employers in Sparks include:

Historically, Sparks was known for its railroad connections and served as a key railroad town. While the railroad industry has declined, manufacturing and distribution companies continue to operate in the city due to its strategic location near Reno and along major transportation routes.

For more details on economic development plans for Sparks, visit the City of Sparks Economic Development page.

Local Attractions

Some of the top attractions that bring visitors to Sparks include:

Learn more about things to do in Sparks at VisitSparks.com.

Government

Sparks has a Council-Manager form of government. The city council consists of the Mayor and four council members who pass legislation and appoint city officials. The city council appoints a city manager who oversees the day-to-day operations of the government.

Visit the Sparks City Council page to learn more about current elected officials and meetings open to the public.

Sports

When it comes to sports, Sparks is home to:

  • Reno Aces – A minor league baseball team that plays at Greater Nevada Field in downtown Reno, just minutes from Sparks.
  • Reno Bighorns – An NBA G League basketball team affiliated with the Sacramento Kings.
  • Outdoor recreation – Skiing, golf, hiking, biking, fishing, and more are popular in the Reno/Sparks area.

History

Sparks was founded in 1904 by the Southern Pacific Railroad as a workshop town to service their locomotives. The town was named after then-Nevada Governor John Sparks who helped bring the railroad to Nevada.

Key events in Sparks history:

  • 1905 – Sparks incorporates as a city
  • 1935 – Gambling becomes legal in Nevada
  • 1959 – Interstate 80 opened near Sparks, increasing development
  • 1966 – John Ascuaga purchases the Nugget Casino, expanding it over time
  • 1984 – Victorian Square opens as a pedestrian mall downtown
  • 2000s – Population growth continues, local tech and logistics industries expand

To learn more about the history of Sparks, visit the Visit Sparks history page.

Facebook

The City of Sparks has an official Facebook page to share news and events from local government. Follow them at City of Sparks Facebook.

The city of Sparks is located just east of Reno in Washoe County, Nevada. With a population of 105,421 as of July 2022, it is the fifth most populous city in Nevada.

Population and Demographics

Sparks has experienced steady population growth over the past few decades. Since 1990, the population has increased by over 50%. The latest census data shows the racial makeup of Sparks is approximately 65% White, 22% Hispanic/Latino, 5% African American, 5% Asian, 2% Two or More Races, and 1% American Indian or Alaska Native.

Compared to the rest of Nevada, Sparks has a higher percentage of Hispanics at 22% versus 29% statewide. The median age in Sparks is 36.7 years old, which is on par with the median for Nevada.

Nearly half of households in Sparks are occupied by married couples, both with and without children. About 30% are single person households. The average household size is 2.69 people.

The population density in Sparks is 1,620 people per square mile. This makes it less dense than neighboring Reno which has over 2,100 people per square mile.

History and Economy

Sparks was founded in 1904 and incorporated as a city in 1905. The city emerged as a industrial center due to its proximity to rail lines. In the early 20th century, it became known for gold and silver mining and other resource processing industries.

Today, the economy of Sparks is still heavily manufacturing-based. Major employers in the city include TTC (The Transportation Company), Peppermill Casinos, Silver State Wire, and AGC Southern Nevada.

The logistics industry also has a major presence in Sparks due to its location along Interstate 80 and near railways. Warehousing, distribution and order fulfillment centers can be found throughout the city.

In recent decades, Sparks has also become a retail destination with the construction of the Outlets at Legends Sparks and Victorian Square. Numerous hotels and casinos can also be found on the southern end of Sparks near the Reno border.

The unemployment rate in Sparks is currently around 4.2%, which is lower than the national unemployment rate of 5.5%. Job growth over the next decade is expected to be over 10% as the area continues to develop industrial and retail businesses.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the most iconic landmarks in Sparks is the Nugget Casino Resort which has been open since 1955. The resort encompasses a large casino, hotel, entertainment center, and recreational vehicle park.

The Golden Nugget Sparks is another historic downtown casino and hotel built in the 1940s.

Outdoor recreation is popular in Sparks with miles of biking paths winding through the city. The Sparks Marina Park offers beaches, picnic areas, and concert venues along the Truckee River. Fisherman’s Park is another waterfront area popular for its hiking trails and kayaking.

One of the city’s largest event centers is the Nugget Event Center which hosts concerts, conferences, and sporting events throughout the year.

The Sky Ranch Foundation is a popular non-profit attraction that allows visitors to view and interact with rescued wild animals including bears, tigers, and lions.

Sports

The city is home to one professional sports team, the Reno Aces, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the MLB Arizona Diamondbacks. The Aces play at Greater Nevada Field in downtown Reno, just minutes from Sparks.

For college sports, the nearby University of Nevada’s teams provide entertainment for Sparks residents. The Wolf Pack compete in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference for sports including football, basketball, and baseball.

Being located in Nevada, many Sparks locals and visitors trying their luck at the various casinos and gaming establishments around the city.

Local Government

The City of Sparks operates under a council-manager form of government. The council consists of the mayor and four council members elected at large for a four year term. The current mayor of Sparks is Ed Lawson who was elected in 2022.

Day-to-day operations are handled by the city manager who is appointed by the city council. The current city manager is Neil Krutz.

Residents can engage with local government and stay updated on city happenings by following the City of Sparks Facebook page or attending city council meetings.

Living in Sparks

Residents of Sparks enjoy access to plentiful jobs, dining and entertainment options throughout Washoe County. The climate is characterized by mild winters and hot summers, typical of high desert environments. The Reno–Tahoe International Airport provides direct access to major hub airports across the country.

Outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping in the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains is also a draw for many residents. Lake Tahoe is less than an hour’s drive from Sparks.

For more information about the city of Sparks, visit the official city website or the Sparks Wikipedia page.