Fort Smith, NT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,248
-0.4 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,000/yr
Private dwellings
1,009

Fort Smith population

How many people live in Fort Smith

Fort Smith is home to 2,248 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 52.1% identify as male and 47.9% as female.

Total population
2,248
-0.4% year-over-year change
Population density
24.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
1,170
Female
47.9%
1,075
Value Percent
Male 1,170 52.1%
Female 1,075 47.9%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Fort Smith is 39.0. Children under 15 make up 19.8% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 15.3% are 25 to 34, 12.7% are 35 to 44, and 13.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 14.7%.

Average age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 34
15.3%
35 to 44
12.7%
45 to 54
13.1%
55 to 64
14%
Over 65
14.7%
Value Percent
Under 15 445 19.8%
15 to 24 235 10.4%
25 to 34 345 15.3%
35 to 44 285 12.7%
45 to 54 295 13.1%
55 to 64 315 14%
Over 65 330 14.7%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Fort Smith, 94.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 4.7% have settled here from abroad. Another 0.5% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
94.8%
Immigrants
4.7%
Non-permanent residents
0.5%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 2,100 94.8%
Immigrants 105 4.7%
Non-permanent residents 10 0.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
5%
Non-minorities
95%
Value Percent
Minorities 110 5%
Non-minorities 2,105 95%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in Fort Smith
English
97.5%
French
2.3%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.2%
Value Percent
English 2,150 97.5%
French 50 2.3%
Neither English nor French 5 0.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 97.5% of people in Fort Smith speak English as their primary language, 2.3% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.2% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Fort Smith

A peek inside Fort Smith households

Fort Smith has 880 households, with an average of 2.5 people living in each. One-person households make up 25.4% of all homes, while 36.2% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.2%, and homes with four or more people account for 23.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
880
Average people per household
2.5
1 person
25.4%
2 persons
36.2%
3 persons
15.2%
4 persons
13.6%
5 or more persons
9.6%
Value Percent
1 person 225 25.4%
2 persons 320 36.2%
3 persons 135 15.2%
4 persons 120 13.6%
5 or more persons 85 9.6%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Fort Smith

The housing landscape of Fort Smith

Fort Smith has a total of 1,009 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Fort Smith offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 68% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.6% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
1,009
Housing types
Single-detached homes
76.8%
Attached homes
23.2%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 680 76.8%
Attached homes 205 23.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
68%
4 or more bedrooms
25.6%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 55 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 600 68%
4 or more bedrooms 225 25.6%
Homes built since 2011
50

The age of buildings in Fort Smith

About 1.1% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 8.5% between 1946 and 1960. Another 16.4% went up in the 1960s, 22.6% in the 1970s, and 19.8% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 13% of homes were added, and 13% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 10 1.1%
Between 1946 and 1960 75 8.5%
Between 1961 and 1970 145 16.4%
Between 1971 and 1980 200 22.6%
Between 1981 and 1990 175 19.8%
Between 1991 and 2000 115 13%
Between 2001 and 2010 115 13%
After 2011 50 5.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fort Smith occupancy rates

In Fort Smith, there are 881 occupied private dwellings, of which 62.5% are owner-occupied and 37.5% are rented. Meanwhile, 128 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
881
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
37.5%
Owned households
62.5%
Value Percent
Rented households 330 37.5%
Owned households 550 62.5%
Unoccupied dwellings
128
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Fort Smith, homeowners pay a median of $1,160 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,200. About 91.4% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 8.6% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,160
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$1,200
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
91.4%
≥30% on shelter
8.6%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 800 91.4%
≥30% on shelter 75 8.6%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Fort Smith

Fort Smith education at a glance

In Fort Smith, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22.3% of residents have no formal diploma, while 19.2% have completed high school and 11.9% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 23.7% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.3% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 20.6% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 395 22.3%
High school diploma 340 19.2%
Apprenticeship diploma 210 11.9%
College diploma 420 23.7%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 40 2.3%
University degree 365 20.6%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Fort Smith

How much people earn in Fort Smith

In Fort Smith, the median household income sits at $120,000, while the median after-tax household income is $104,000.

Median household income
$120,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$104,000/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Fort Smith income by age

Young adults in Fort Smith between 15 and 24 have a median income of $17,800, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $54,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $74,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $95,000, followed by $72,500 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $52,800.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 17,800
25 - 34 54,400
35 - 44 74,000
45 - 54 95,000
55 - 64 72,500
Over 65 52,800

Employment in Fort Smith

Workforce and job sectors in Fort Smith

In Fort Smith, 1,210 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 7.4%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, education, law, community and government services, trades and transport, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,210
Unemployment rate
7.4%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 20 1.7%
Business, finance and administration 190 16.2%
Natural and applied sciences 60 5.1%
Health 75 6.4%
Education, law, community and government services 300 25.5%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 35 3%
Sales and service 215 18.3%
Trades and transport 220 18.7%
Natural resources and agriculture 45 3.8%
Manufacturing and utilities 15 1.3%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Fort Smith

How people get around in Fort Smith

In Fort Smith, the average commute is 9 minutes. The remaining 4.7% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
9 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
87.8%
15 to 29 minutes
8.4%
30 to 44 minutes
1.4%
45 to 59 minutes
0%
More than 60 minutes
2.3%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 940 87.8%
15 to 29 minutes 90 8.4%
30 to 44 minutes 15 1.4%
More than 60 minutes 25 2.3%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 870 81.7%
By bicycle/by walking 145 13.6%
By other methods 50 4.7%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Fort Smith demographics 

What is the current total population in Fort Smith?

Fort Smith has a population of 2,248, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.4% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Fort Smith?  

Fort Smith has a population density of 24.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Fort Smith?

Fort Smith has the following gender distribution:
  • 52.1% males (1,170 residents)  
  • 47.9% females (1,075 residents)

What is the age distribution of Fort Smith residents?  

The age distribution of Fort Smith residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 19.8% (445 residents)   
  • 15-24: 10.4% (235 residents)   
  • 25-34: 15.3% (345 residents)   
  • 35-44: 12.7% (285 residents)   
  • 45-54: 13.1% (295 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14% (315 residents)   
  • Over 64: 14.7% (330 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Smith? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Fort Smith: 
  • 94.8% non-immigrants (2,100 residents)  
  • 4.7% immigrants (105 residents)  
  • 0.5% non-permanent residents (10 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Fort Smith?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Fort Smith: 
  • English: 97.5% 
  • French: 2.3% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.2% 

What is the typical household size in Fort Smith?  

The typical household size in Fort Smith is 2.5 people. 

What is the median household income in Fort Smith?  

The median household income in Fort Smith is $120,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Fort Smith residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Fort Smith is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 22.3% (395 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 19.2% (340 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 11.9% (210 residents) 
  • College diploma: 23.7% (420 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.3% (40 residents) 
  • University degree: 20.6% (365 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Fort Smith?  

The most common occupations in Fort Smith fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16.2% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 25.5% 
  • Health: 6.4% 
  • Management: 1.7% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.3% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 5.1% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 3.8% 
  • Sales and service: 18.3% 
  • Trades and transport: 18.7% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025