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

Total population
89,805
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,816/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
40,475
0.8% year-over-year change

Fort Smith population

How many people live in Fort Smith

Fort Smith is home to 89,805 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Fort Smith locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
89,805
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
44,442
Female
50.5%
45,363
Value Percent YoY change
Male 44,442 49.5% 0.7%
Female 45,363 50.5% -0.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fort Smith is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17,598 19.6% 0.4%
15 to 24 12,164 13.5% 0.3%
25 to 44 24,263 27% 0.7%
45 to 64 21,399 23.8% -0.7%
Over 65 14,381 16% 1.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fort Smith, 87.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.4% of locals are Caucasian, 7% are African American and 5.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 78,241 87.1% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,409 6% 6.0%
Non-citizens 6,155 6.8% -1.4%
Racial breakdown
White
60.4%
Black or African American
7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13%
Other
13.3%
Value Percent
White 54,201 60.4%
Black or African American 6,299 7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 746 0.8%
Asian 4,960 5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 47 0%
Two or more races 11,648 13%
Other 11,904 13.3%

Households in Fort Smith

A peek inside Fort Smith households

Fort Smith has 36,775 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
36,775
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,955
Family households
22,820
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,955 38% 1.3%
Family households 22,820 62% 0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fort Smith

The housing landscape of Fort Smith

Fort Smith's housing consists of 40,475 units, with 66.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
40,475
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 26,813 66.2%
1 unit, attached 1,367 3.4%
2 units 3,403 8.4%
3 or 4 units 2,171 5.4%
5 to 9 units 1,999 4.9%
10 to 19 units 1,874 4.6%
20 to 49 units 1,019 2.5%
50 or more units 1,649 4.1%
Mobile home 180 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
925
109.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fort Smith

In Fort Smith, the median construction year is 1977. About 5.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,095 5.2% -14.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,673 9.1% 7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,813 11.9% -6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,094 10.1% 1.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,176 20.2% 1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,865 14.5% -1.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,573 8.8% -2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,936 9.7% 14.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,325 8.2% -7.4%
Built in 2020 or later 925 2.3% 109.3%
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

Out of the 36,775 occupied housing units in Fort Smith, 53.4% are owner-occupied, while 46.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
36,775
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
17,151
Owner occupied
19,624
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 17,151 46.6% 0.1%
Owner occupied 19,624 53.4% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
9.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fort Smith housing costs

Housing costs in Fort Smith come to a median of $866 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $884.

Median housing costs per month
$866/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fort Smith
$884/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fort Smith

Fort Smith education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Fort Smith went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,831 7.1% 4.7%
High school diploma 28,061 41% 3.8%
College diploma 15,288 22.3% -2.5%
Associate degree 5,254 7.7% 5.0%
Bachelor's degree 9,054 13.2% -7.1%
Graduate degree 5,964 8.7% -2.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fort Smith

How much people earn in Fort Smith

The average annual household income in Fort Smith was $85,471 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,816, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fort Smith
$85,471/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fort Smith
$54,816/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Fort Smith income by age

In Fort Smith, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,746. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,909 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,475, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,235 in earnings. Overall, 81.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,475 0.7%
25 - 44 $59,746 6.6%
45 - 64 $63,909 1.1%
Over 65 $44,235 -0.9%
Above poverty level
71,171
Below poverty level
15,796
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 71,171 81.8% 0.5%
Below poverty level 15,796 18.2% 0.2%

Average renter income in Fort Smith

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fort Smith, their median household income was $37,427 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,427
Rent-to-income ratio
28.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fort Smith

Workforce and job types in Fort Smith

The job market in Fort Smith is powered by 41,059 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 68.7% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
41,059
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
29,879
Blue collar
11,180
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,879 72.8% 1.7%
Blue collar 11,180 27.2% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
68.7%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,152 10.1% -1.0%
Private companies 28,211 68.7% -1.0%
Governmental workers 4,963 12.1% 4.1%
Not for profit companies 3,733 9.1% 12.9%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
-1.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fort Smith stands at 6.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fort Smith

How people get around in Fort Smith

In Fort Smith, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
-2.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 36,183 88.9% 1.4%
Taxicab 179 0.4% -1.1%
Bus or trolleybus 59 0.1% -23.4%
Motorcycle 101 0.2% 26.2%
Bicycle 82 0.2% 203.7%
Walk 474 1.2% -21.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Fort Smith by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
72901 19,819 8,789 $42,851 $58,613
72903 27,242 11,464 $61,434 $86,945
72904 21,296 7,529 $41,909 $50,735
72908 14,288 5,906 $72,732 $95,547
72916 11,711 4,732 $87,983 $191,690

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FAQs about Fort Smith demographics 

What is the total population of Fort Smith?

Fort Smith has a total population of 89,805 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fort Smith?

The gender ratio in Fort Smith is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (44,442 residents)
  • 50.5% females (45,363 residents)

What is the median age in Fort Smith?

The median age in Fort Smith is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fort Smith?

The age distribution in Fort Smith is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (17,598 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (12,164 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (24,263 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (21,399 residents)
  • Over 65: 16% (14,381 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Smith?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Smith is as follows:
  • White: 60.4% (54,201 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7% (6,299 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (746 residents)
  • Asian: 5.5% (4,960 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (47 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13% (11,648 residents)
  • Other: 13.3% (11,904 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fort Smith are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.1% of the population in Fort Smith.

How many housing units are there in Fort Smith?

There are 40,475 housing units in Fort Smith, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fort Smith and what is the average household size?

Fort Smith has a total of 36,775 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fort Smith?

Fort Smith has a median household income of $54,816, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fort Smith?

The employment rate is 93.5% in Fort Smith, with a workforce of 41,059 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.8% (29,879 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.2% (11,180 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (4,152 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.7% (28,211 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (4,963 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (3,733 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025