Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Smith, AR
Considering a move to Fort Smith, AR? This friendly city of nearly 90,000 offers an affordable lifestyle with median home prices around $149,000 and average rents at $850. Residents enjoy short commutes (17 minutes on average), a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and access to local colleges and healthcare. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Fort Smith stands out for its low cost of living and easygoing pace, making it a practical choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Demographics - Fort Smith, AR
Demographics - Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith is home to nearly 90,000 residents with a median age of 36.8, and a community that is predominantly White but includes significant Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups. The city is moderately dense and about 12.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its growing diversity.
Population:
89,728
Density:
1,420 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.7%
Black:
10.2%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
22.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Smith, AR?
Living in Fort Smith is notably affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $149,000. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare also remain cost-effective, making it a practical option for families and individuals seeking value.
Median House Value:
$149,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
57.8
Utilities:
91.3
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
85.2
Miscellaneous:
86.5
Crime
Is Fort Smith, AR a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fort Smith are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 162 chance of experiencing a violent crime and property crimes more common at 1 in 23. While safety is a concern in some neighborhoods, many residents take advantage of community resources and local policing efforts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
619
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,347
Crime Index:
4,966
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 162
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 23
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Smith, AR year-round?
Fort Smith experiences a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs around 93°F and relatively mild winters with lows near 29°F. Residents enjoy 62% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, creating a comfortable environment for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household in Fort Smith earns about $48,200 per year, with a poverty rate of 20.3% and an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most neighbors commute less than 20 minutes to work, and a large majority have completed high school, fostering a close-knit and practical community.
Median Income:
$29,300
Household Income:
$48,200
Family Income:
$56,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
20.3%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.9%
Bachelors or More:
20.1%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith provides a range of educational opportunities, including well-rated public and private schools and local higher education through the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. The city supports students from elementary through college, with reasonable class sizes and access to nearby universities.
Public Schools
Name:
Southside High School
Street:
4100 Gary St
Phone:
479-646-7371
Students:
1,490
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Orr Elementary School
Street:
3609 Phoenix Ave
Phone:
479-646-8143
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Private Schools
Name:
Union Christian Academy
Street:
4201 Windsor Dr
Phone:
479-783-7327
Students:
390
Colleges
Name:
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
City:
Fort Smith
State:
AR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
University of Arkansas
City:
Fayetteville
State:
AR
Distance:
58 miles
Students:
30,900
Healthcare
Fort Smith offers solid healthcare access with two major hospitals providing emergency services and a physician availability slightly above the national average. Over 90% of residents have health insurance, contributing to the community's overall wellbeing.
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:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Smith, AR?
The housing market in Fort Smith is affordable, with a median home price of $149,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $850. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen modest home appreciation, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$149,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services in Fort Smith are managed by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, conveniently located downtown. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other vehicle services locally or online through the state website.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Driver Services
Address:
616 Garrison Ave, Room 101, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone:
1-501-682-7059
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.