Fort Smith, AR
Population 89,496 · Arkansas
About Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith is a mid-sized city in Arkansas with a population of 89,496 residents. The median household income is $52,692 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Fort Smith is 36.6 years.
Housing in Fort Smith has a median home value of $168,100 and median monthly rent of $852. Of the 40,146 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 19,352 owner-occupied and 17,128 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Fort Smith is 6.7% and the poverty rate is 18.3%. 25.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.3 minutes.
How Fort Smith Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Fort Smith, AR
Compared to national averages, Fort Smith has a median household income of $52,692 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,100, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $852 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Fort Smith's income is 1% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 34% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $852/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,692) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Fort Smith provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fort Smith has a population of 89,496 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Fort Smith with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Fort Smith
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale | 87,388 | $66,044 | $237,200 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 97,227 | $59,074 | $322,500 | Compare |
| Jonesboro | 79,187 | $52,559 | $213,400 | Compare |
| Rogers | 71,411 | $82,993 | $278,000 | Compare |
| Conway | 66,288 | $58,461 | $234,600 | Compare |
| North Little Rock | 64,504 | $51,236 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Bentonville | 56,326 | $108,465 | $370,700 | Compare |
| Pine Bluff | 40,436 | $41,250 | $86,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Smith
What is the population of Fort Smith, AR?
The population of Fort Smith, AR is 89,496 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Fort Smith?
The median household income in Fort Smith, AR is $52,692 per year.
What is the median home value in Fort Smith?
The median home value in Fort Smith, AR is $168,100.
What is the average rent in Fort Smith?
The median monthly rent in Fort Smith, AR is $852.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Smith?
The unemployment rate in Fort Smith, AR is 6.7%.