Esparto is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) located in the western portion of Yolo County, in the U.S. state of California. It lies near the intersection of California State Route 113 and Interstate 5, approximately 22 mi (35 km) northwest of Sacramento.
Geography
The United States Census Bureau defines the CDP as having a total area of about 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²), all of it land. The community sits at an elevation of roughly 164 ft (50 m) above sea level.
Demographics
According to the 2010 United States Census, Esparto had a population of 3,108 residents. The population density was reported as approximately 1,240 people per square mile (480 people per km²). Racial and ethnic composition, household characteristics, and other detailed demographic data are recorded in the census reports for that year.
History
The name “Esparto” derives from the Spanish word esparto, referring to a coarse grass historically used for weaving and rope making. The area developed in the early 20th century as a railroad depot on the Southern Pacific line, serving the surrounding agricultural region. Over time, the community grew around farming, particularly grain and livestock production, and later diversified with residential development.
Economy and Services
Esparto’s economy has traditionally been tied to agriculture, with surrounding fields cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and alfalfa. The community provides basic services, including a post office (ZIP 95931), elementary schools within the Esparto Unified School District, and a few local businesses. Residents often rely on nearby larger towns, such as Davis and Woodland, for additional commercial, medical, and governmental services.
Transportation
State Route 113 runs through Esparto, connecting the community with Interstate 5 to the west and the city of Davis to the east. Public transportation options are limited; the primary means of travel is private automobile.
Education
The Esparto Unified School District operates Esparto Elementary School and Esparto Middle School. High school students typically attend West Sacramento High School or other schools in the broader Yolo County district system.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2010 Census Summary File 1.
- Yolo County Geographic Information.
- California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) highway maps.
Note: Information presented reflects data available from official U.S. government sources and widely recognized historical references.