Fort Smith, AR, US
Historic frontier city on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border with a strong manufacturing base.
Overview
Fort Smith is a city in AR with a population of 90,000. Historic frontier city on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border with a strong manufacturing base. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Fort Smith vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.9%
- Sales Tax: 9.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $48,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 90,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 215/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 31°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $200,000
- 1BR Rent: $850/mo
Cost of Living
Fort Smith's cost of living index is 85 (US average = 100).
| Category | Fort Smith | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $850/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $133 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Fort Smith:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $86 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $63 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $13 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $292 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Fort Smith scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Fort Smith has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 51°F | 31°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 46°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 49°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Fort Smith faces the following natural hazards:
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
River flooding (Mississippi).
Extreme summer heat.
New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.9%
- Sales Tax: 9.5%
- Property Tax: ~0.64% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Fort Smith is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR, US?
The cost of living index in Fort Smith is 85, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Fort Smith?
The median home price in Fort Smith is $200,000. The housing index is 88.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fort Smith is approximately $850/mo.
Does Fort Smith, AR have income tax?
Fort Smith is in AR, which has an income tax rate of 3.9%.
What is the climate like in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 31°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.