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 89,728 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $149,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% 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 89,728 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 61% White, 10% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Fort Smith is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.5. Median home values are around $149,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Fort Smith is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 619 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 23. 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
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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 93°F and cold winters dipping to 29°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
29°F
Max
51°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
93°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $48,200 and a low poverty rate of 20.3%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Southside High School and Orr Elementary 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 University of Arkansas. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Mercy Hospital Fort Smith nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 90.3% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $149,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.4%. Fort Smith offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Fort Smith handle vehicle services through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Driver Services, conveniently located in Fort Smith. 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 - Driver Services
Address
616 Garrison Ave, Room 101, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone
1-501-682-7059

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 89,728, median home value $149,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 17.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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