Sparta, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sparta, Kentucky
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Sparta in October 2023.
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Location of Sparta in Owen County, Kentucky.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| Counties | Gallatin, Owen |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.29 sq mi (16.30 km2) |
| • Land | 6.26 sq mi (16.22 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.08 km2) |
| Elevation | 732 ft (223 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 236 |
| • Density | 37.68/sq mi (14.55/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
41086
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| Area code(s) | 859 |
| FIPS code | 21-72372 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2405502 |
Sparta is a small city in the state of Kentucky, USA. It is located in both Gallatin and Owen counties. In 2020, about 236 people lived there. Sparta is famous for being the home of the Kentucky Speedway, a big race track.
Contents
Where is Sparta Located?
Sparta is in the southwestern part of Gallatin County. The main part of the city is in Gallatin County. It sits on the north side of a stream called Eagle Creek. The city limits also stretch south into Owen County.
You can find Sparta about 8 miles (13 km) north of Warsaw. Warsaw is the main town in Gallatin County. Sparta is also about 12 miles (19 km) south of Owenton, the main town in Owen County.
A major highway, Interstate 71, passes near Sparta. This highway can take you to Covington, about 38 miles (61 km) northeast. It also leads to Louisville, about 58 miles (93 km) southwest.
The city covers a total area of about 6.29 square miles (16.30 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Eagle Creek flows past Sparta and eventually joins the Kentucky River. The Kentucky River then flows into the Ohio River.
A Look at Sparta's History
Sparta started as a small village way back in 1802. It was first called "Brock's Station." Later, in 1852, it officially became a town. The community got its name from a local gristmill. A gristmill is a place where grain is ground into flour.
Sparta also became a stop on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Even today, the CSX railroad still runs through Sparta, following Eagle Creek.
The Kentucky Speedway Story
A big change came to Sparta in 1999 when the Kentucky Speedway was built. This race track was made to host exciting NASCAR races.
- In 2000, the first big race was held there. It was a Truck Series race.
- The next year, an Xfinity Series race took place.
- Finally, in 2011, the top-level Sprint Cup Series came to Sparta for its first race.
The Speedway is a major attraction and brings many visitors to the area.
How Many People Live in Sparta?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 62 | — | |
| 1910 | 107 | — | |
| 1940 | 563 | — | |
| 1950 | 298 | −47.1% | |
| 1960 | 235 | −21.1% | |
| 1970 | 213 | −9.4% | |
| 1980 | 192 | −9.9% | |
| 1990 | 133 | −30.7% | |
| 2000 | 230 | 72.9% | |
| 2010 | 231 | 0.4% | |
| 2020 | 236 | 2.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
According to the 2020 census, 236 people lived in Sparta. The population has changed over the years. For example, in 1880, only 62 people lived there. The number grew to 563 in 1940 but then became smaller again.
In 2000, there were 230 people living in Sparta. The average age of people in the city was 34 years old. About 23.5% of the people were under 18 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Sparta (Kentucky) para niños
