Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Chaffee, AR
Considering a move to Fort Chaffee, AR? This small community of about 800 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $162,000 and average rents at $820. You'll enjoy short commute times averaging 19 minutes, plenty of sunny days, and access to major healthcare and education options in nearby Fort Smith. While crime rates are higher than the national average, Fort Chaffee provides a relaxed pace, low cost of living, and easy access to the scenic Arkansas River Valley.
Demographics - Fort Chaffee, AR
Demographics - Fort Chaffee, AR
Fort Chaffee is a small, close-knit community of around 800 residents, with a median age of 37.1 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with a mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This low-density area offers a diverse yet welcoming environment ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
800
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.0%
Black:
11.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
15.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Chaffee, AR?
The cost of living in Fort Chaffee is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 85.9, well below the national average. Median home values are around $162,000 and average rents are $820, making housing accessible for many. Everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities, remain budget-friendly, providing great value for residents.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$121
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.9
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
70.8
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
91.6
Miscellaneous:
86.1
Crime
Is Fort Chaffee, AR a safe place to live?
Fort Chaffee experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a property crime risk of 1 in 44 and a violent crime risk of 1 in 267. While these rates are above national averages, residents can stay safe with proper precautions and community awareness. Prospective movers should research neighborhoods and local law enforcement resources when considering relocation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
375
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,625
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 267
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Chaffee, AR year-round?
The city enjoys mild winters with lows near 29°F and warm summers reaching 92°F, complemented by 62% sunny days each year. Annual rainfall averages nearly 48 inches, supporting lush local scenery. Seasonal changes offer comfortable living for those who appreciate a variety of weather throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical households in Fort Chaffee earn around $47,800, with a per capita income of $23,900 and a poverty rate of 15.4%. Most residents commute about 19 minutes and unemployment is relatively low at 3.7%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 90% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$47,800
Family Income:
$56,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,900
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$27,200
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.3%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Chaffee, AR?
Families in Fort Chaffee benefit from several public and private school options, including Woods Elementary and Chaffin Junior High, both located in nearby Fort Smith. Class sizes are moderate, supporting personalized learning, and higher education is easily accessible at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, just five miles away. The area supports a strong educational foundation from preschool through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Woods Elementary School
Street:
3201 Massard Rd, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone:
479-646-0834
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Chaffin Junior High School
Street:
3025 Massard Rd, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone:
479-452-2226
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Private Schools
Name:
Union Christian Academy
Street:
4201 Windsor Dr, Fort Smith, AR 72904
Phone:
479-783-7322
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
City:
Fort Smith
State:
AR
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
5,600
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Fort Smith, such as Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Mercy Hospital, both offering emergency services. Healthcare coverage rates are high at 87.1%, and there are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people. The area’s healthcare infrastructure supports a healthy, family-friendly lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Health-Fort Smith
Address:
1001 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone:
(479) 441-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
Address:
7301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone:
(479) 314-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.1%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Chaffee, AR?
The Fort Chaffee housing market is stable, with a median home price of $162,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $820. About 63% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.2%. Recent home appreciation rates suggest steady growth and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle-related services for Fort Chaffee residents are provided by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle, with resources available online and at their Little Rock office. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and other DMV services. The office offers convenient support for both new and current drivers.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1509 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone:
501-682-4692
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.