Fort Smith, AR
Population 89,496 · Arkansas
About Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 89,496 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,692 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Smith features a median home value of $168,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Smith in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $852, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 40,146 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (19,352 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (17,128 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Smith shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Smith have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.3% of Fort Smith residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 13.7% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 11.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Fort Smith experiences an annual average temperature of 63°F with 52.26" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 94°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 37°F (December–January).
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
Climate & Weather in Fort Smith
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 53 | 60 | 63 | 71 | 81 | 89 | 94 | 94 | 88 | 73 | 63 | 56 |
| Low °F | 36 | 39 | 43 | 49 | 61 | 69 | 74 | 74 | 67 | 54 | 43 | 38 |
| Rain " | 4.3 | 5.2 | 9.0 | 3.3 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 5.7 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 4.8 | 2.0 | 2.8 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Smith With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Fort Smith?
The median household income in Fort Smith, AR is $52,692 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Smith?
The median home value in Fort Smith, AR is $168,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Smith?
The median monthly rent in Fort Smith, AR is $852, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Smith?
The unemployment rate in Fort Smith, AR is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Smith, AR a good place to live?
Fort Smith offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 89,496 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Smith, AR?
25.3% of residents in Fort Smith aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Smith, AR: median home value is $168,100 (31% below national), median rent is $852/month, and median household income is $52,692. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Smith?
The poverty rate in Fort Smith, AR is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith's population is 13.7% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 7.7% two or more races. 11.7% of residents are foreign-born.