ArkansasPop. 89,805Smaller cities
Is Fort Smith a Good Place to Live? Fort Smith, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fort Smith ranks #1112 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #459 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($884/mo, #6 of 524) and low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (793 per 100,000, #429 of 444) and low household income ($54,816, #484 of 524).
Fort Smith by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fort Smith's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $884/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $195,029, 14% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Fort Smith | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $195,029#106 of 1,187 | $227,264 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,054/mo#38 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $178,100#163 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $884/mo#74 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.4%#378 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fort Smith housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fort Smith is in the Fort Smith, AR-OK metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Fort Smith safe?
Fort Smith recorded 793 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 49% above Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1005 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #429 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Smith Police Department. Property crime runs 3,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fort Smith | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 793#1005 of 1,085 | 532 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,379#997 of 1,085 | 1,645 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fort Smith?
The median household in Fort Smith earns $54,816, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fort Smith | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $54,816#1158 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.3%#1049 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fort Smith?
The median resident of Fort Smith is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1023 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fort Smith | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.9%#1023 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fort Smith's schools and health?
Fort Smith's 27 public schools graduate 88.4% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $12,491 spent per pupil. 37% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Fort Smith | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.4%#505 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,491#880 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37%#947 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.7%#1141 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.3%#1094 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,891 students are enrolled in Fort Smith's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fort Smith?
The average commute in Fort Smith is 16.8 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0.1% of workers take transit and 7.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fort Smith scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.4°F and winters 42.7°F, with 47.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fort Smith | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.8 min#126 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.4% | 78.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.8% | 8.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.9#1084 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51.3 | 29.6 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 56.6 | 33.4 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 65.6 | 41.5 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 74.5 | 49.8 | 4.9 |
| May | 81.4 | 59.5 | 5.6 |
| Jun | 89.4 | 68.3 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 94.1 | 72.1 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 93.7 | 70.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 86.5 | 63.1 | 4 |
| Oct | 75.9 | 51 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 63.4 | 40 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 53.3 | 32.3 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Smith Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Fort Smith | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Smith Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fort Smith?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Fort Smith's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sebastian County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
| Measure | Fort Smith | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#531 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Sebastian County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sebastian County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.014% | 95% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0013% | 84% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0041% | 76% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0066% | 72% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 49% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0013% | 41% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fort Smith compare with similar-size cities?
Fort Smith is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #459 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 89,805.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #123 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #424 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 | 14.9 min |
| Westminster, CAPop. 89,860 | #856 | 52.4 | $85,541 | $2,168/mo | 334 | 27 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 min |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #240 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 | 28.3 min |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 min |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #571 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 | 21 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fort Smith compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Fort Smith ranks #13 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 12% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 49% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical Arkansas home.
| City | Rank in AR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentonville, ARPop. 58,249 | #1 | 68.2 | $112,792 | $1,344/mo | 174 |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #2 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 |
| Rogers, ARPop. 72,981 | #3 | 61.5 | $86,728 | $1,270/mo | 273 |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #4 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 |
| Benton, ARPop. 36,595 | #5 | 56.8 | $72,876 | $1,072/mo | 445 |
| Cabot, ARPop. 26,960 | #6 | 54.8 | $75,000 | $1,110/mo | 359 |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #7 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 |
| Springdale, ARPop. 88,160 | #8 | 54.2 | $69,787 | $1,071/mo | 527 |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #9 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 |
| Paragould, ARPop. 30,215 | #10 | 49.9 | $56,980 | $925/mo | 268 |
| Russellville, ARPop. 29,162 | #11 | 49.7 | $50,877 | $842/mo | 460 |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #12 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #13 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #14 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #15 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #16 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 |
| Jacksonville, ARPop. 29,221 | #17 | 41.9 | $49,666 | $930/mo | 971 |
| Texarkana, ARPop. 29,177 | #18 | 39.7 | $45,835 | $909/mo | 1,230 |
| West Memphis, ARPop. 23,929 | #19 | 35.3 | $42,674 | $870/mo | 1,785 |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #20 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 |
All 20 Arkansas cities we track, by overall score. Arkansas statewide: median income $62,106, violent crime 531.8 per 100,000.
How is Fort Smith's score calculated?
Fort Smith scores 47.7 out of 100, #1112 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Arkansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fort Smith. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fort Smith's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
32.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fort Smith. Similar-size median 58.9.
40.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fort Smith's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fort Smith's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
87.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fort Smith. Similar-size median 56.1.
30.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fort Smith. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fort Smith. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fort Smith's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
36.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
60.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fort Smith's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fort Smith has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fort Smith
Is Fort Smith, AR a good place to live?
Fort Smith ranks #1112 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #459 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($884/mo, #6 of 524) and low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (793 per 100,000, #429 of 444) and low household income ($54,816, #484 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $884/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $195,029, 14% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith recorded 793 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 49% above Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1005 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #429 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Smith Police Department. Property crime runs 3,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fort Smith?
The median household in Fort Smith earns $54,816, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fort Smith?
Median rent in Fort Smith is $884/mo (Census), #74 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,054/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fort Smith?
The typical home value in Fort Smith is $195,029, up 3.1% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $178,100.
How are the public schools in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith's 27 public schools graduate 88.4% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $12,491 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fort Smith?
The average commute is 16.8 minutes, #126 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Arkansas. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith averages 62.4°F over the year, 81.4°F in summer and 42.7°F in winter, with 47.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fort Smith walkable?
Fort Smith scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fort Smith at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sebastian County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
Who lives in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith has 89,805 residents. The median resident of Fort Smith is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1023 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fort Smith compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Fort Smith ranks #13 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 12% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 49% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Fort Smith?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fort Smith's population of 89,805 are Germantown, MD (#123 overall), Lawton, OK (#1244 overall), Champaign, IL (#424 overall), Westminster, CA (#856 overall), and Temple, TX (#851 overall). Fort Smith is #1112.