Arkansas / County

Moving to Fort Smith, AR

Thinking of making a move to Fort Smith, AR? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Smith, AR

Considering a move to Fort Smith, AR? This welcoming community of 89,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $980. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Fort Smith's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith has a population of 89,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 64% White, 12% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
89,500
Density
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
11.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
63.5%
Black
11.8%
Asian
2.2%
Others
22.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Fort Smith, AR?

The cost of living in Fort Smith is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.7. Median home values are around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$185,000
Gross Rent
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 4.4%
Cost Of Living Index
84.7
Grocery
93.5
Housing
62.8
Utilities
99.4
Transportation
89.6
Health Care
94.2
Miscellaneous
90.1

Crime

Is Fort Smith, AR a safe place to live?

Fort Smith is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 560 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Arkansas.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
560
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,420
Crime Index
3,980
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 179
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 29

Weather

What is the weather like in Fort Smith, AR year-round?

Fort Smith experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 29°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
29°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.2%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$69,000
Per Capita Income
$27,000
Income Male
$39,500
Income Female
$30,500
Poverty Rate
18.2%
Non English Speakers
15.0%
Rent
$980
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
Public Transport Usage
2.3%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.0%
Bachelors or More
20.5%

Education

How are the schools in Fort Smith, AR?

Fort Smith offers quality education options, with public schools like Northside High School and Fort Smith Southside High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Arkansas - Fort Smith and Western Arkansas Technical Center. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Northside High School
Street
2217 Kemp Blvd
Phone
479-783-1171
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
Fort Smith Southside High School
Street
400 S 13th St
Phone
479-785-4333
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1

Private Schools

Name
Trinity Jr. High and High School
Street
2001 N 18th St
Phone
479-783-0272
Students
450

Colleges

Name
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
City
Fort Smith
State
AR
Distance
0 miles
Students
6,600
Name
Western Arkansas Technical Center
City
Fort Smith
State
AR
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,200

Healthcare

Fort Smith residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mercy Hospital Fort Smith and Baptist Health-Fort Smith nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
Address
7301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone
(479) 314-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Baptist Health-Fort Smith
Address
1001 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone
(479) 441-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.5%
Health Care Index
68.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Fort Smith, AR?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $185,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 65%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Fort Smith offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$980
Owner Occupied Rate
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Fort Smith handle vehicle services through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Little Rock. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Arkansas
Department
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
1900 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone
(501) 682-4692

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.

FAQs About Moving to Fort Smith, AR

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Fort Smith, review the core fields on this page: population 89,500, median home value $185,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $980, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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