Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas Overview

Fort Smith scores 42.7/100 overall (D), ranking #12 of 20 cities in Arkansas — above the state composite of 30.9. Affordability is the city’s relative strength at 88/100, while Safety lags at 13/100.

Income & Employment in Fort Smith

The median household income in Fort Smith is $54,009, 4% below the statewide median of $56,335. The local unemployment rate of 3.4% is lower than the state’s 4.2%. Population grew 0.7% recently.

Safety in Fort Smith

With a violent crime rate of 1023.1 per 100,000, Fort Smith exceeds the Arkansas average of 579. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4187.3 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Fort Smith

With a cost of living index of 85.1, Fort Smith is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $168,100. Median monthly rent is $852. Renters spend 18.9% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Fort Smith

The adult obesity rate in Fort Smith is 37%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.8%. Residents report an average of 19.7 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Arkansas ranks #49 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Fort Smith

Fort Smith has a high school graduation rate of 88.4%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.7:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $12,491. The city has 28 public schools serving 14,024 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Fort Smith

Fort Smith enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 63.3°F. Summers average 81.7°F. Winters average 46.1°F. Annual precipitation is 49.9 inches. The average commute of 15.7 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions