Fort Smith, AR โ€” City Data, Demographics & Statistics

Sebastian County ยท Arkansas

๐Ÿงฌ

City DNA

A unique fingerprint for Fort Smith based on 8 key metrics โ€” compared to averages.

PopulationIncomeHome ValueSafetyEducationMedian AgeClimateCost of Living
Fort Smith
National Avg
Arkansas Avg
Population: 72Income: 35Home Value: 17Safety: 100Education: 24Median Age: 61Climate: 50Cost of Living: 43

Quick Stats

Population

89,496

2023 ACS

Median Income

$52,692

2023

Median Home Value

$168,100

2023

Median Rent

$852

2023

Median Age

36.6

Unemployment

6.7%

Cost of Living Index

85.9

100 = national avg

Fort Smith is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, with a population of 89,496 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Fort Smith is one of the communities in Arkansas.

The median household income in Fort Smith is $52,692, and the median home value is $168,100. The cost of living index is 85.9 (where 100 = national average), and the median rent is $852 per month. The unemployment rate is 6.7%, and the median age is 36.6 years.

People & Demographics

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Population

Total Population

89,496

Male

44,118

49.3%

Female

45,378

50.7%

Median Age

36.6

Age Distribution

Education & Household

Bachelor's or Higher

16.9%

High School or Higher

36.1%

Foreign Born

11.7%

Veterans

5.5%

Married

38.2%

Avg Household Size

2.4

Marital Status by Age

Race & Ethnicity

Diversity Index

0.546

Simpson's Index (0-1)

Largest Group

White

61.2%

Foreign Born

11.7%

White
61.2%
Black
7.7%
Asian
5.7%
Native American
0.9%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or More
10.9%
Other
13.3%

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. People of any race can identify as Hispanic. This percentage overlaps with the racial categories above.

Hispanic/Latino

20.0%

17,926 people

Not Hispanic/Latino

80.0%

Hispanic/Latino Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Mexican
12,220 (68.2%)
Puerto Rican
408 (2.3%)
Cuban
134 (0.7%)
Dominican
78 (0.4%)
Salvadoran
2,903 (16.2%)
Guatemalan
484 (2.7%)
Colombian
32 (0.2%)
Honduran
433 (2.4%)
Peruvian
23 (0.1%)
Other Hispanic
1,214 (6.8%)

Asian Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Asian Indian
199 (3.9%)
Chinese
29 (0.6%)
Filipino
279 (5.5%)
Vietnamese
1,863 (36.7%)
Korean
113 (2.2%)
Japanese
16 (0.3%)
Pakistani
98 (1.9%)
Hmong
139 (2.7%)
Thai
50 (1.0%)
Laotian
1,889 (37.2%)
Other Asian
398 (7.8%)

Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Marshallese
157 (97.5%)

American Indian & Alaska Native Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Cherokee
9 (1.1%)
Choctaw
33 (4.0%)
Other Native American
778 (94.5%)

Languages Spoken

Total Speakers (5+)

83,599

English Only

79.1%

#1 Non-English Language

Spanish

12,638 speakers

Limited English

9.4%

Language Distribution

Spanish
12,638 (15.1%)
Other Asian
2,331 (2.8%)
Vietnamese
1,456 (1.7%)
German
292 (0.3%)
Other Indo-European
263 (0.3%)
Tagalog
150 (0.2%)
Other Languages
123 (0.1%)
Arabic
115 (0.1%)
Slavic Languages
81 (0.1%)
Korean
37 (0.0%)

English Proficiency

Speaks English Very Well

90.6%

Limited English Proficiency

9.4%

Spanish
45.3% limited English
Other Asian
51.5% limited English
Vietnamese
52.3% limited English
German
12.3% limited English
Other Indo-European
6.1% limited English
Tagalog
27.3% limited English
Other Languages
16.3% limited English
Arabic
11.3% limited English
Slavic Languages
9.9% limited English
Korean
10.8% limited English

Veterans & Military

Total Veterans

4,926

5.5% of population

Disability Rate

20.9%

1,027 with disability

Veteran Median Income

$35,902

Unemployment Rate

5.8%

Period of Service

Gulf War (2001+)
29.8%
Gulf War (1990-2001)
29.1%
Vietnam
23.7%
Korea
4.0%
World War II
1.8%

Veteran Age Distribution

18-34
9.7%
35-54
26.3%
55-64
22.9%
65-74
18.9%
75+
22.2%

Male Veterans

4,369

88.7%

Female Veterans

557

11.3%

Veteran vs Non-Veteran Income

Veteran Income

$35,902

Non-Veteran Income

$31,289

Difference

$4,613

14.7% higher

Disability Status

With Disability

1,027

Without Disability

3,899

Disability Rate

20.9%

Ancestry & Heritage

Total Reporting Ancestry

41,059

#1 Ancestry

German

10.2% (9,129)

#2 Ancestry

Irish

9.3% (8,353)

#3 Ancestry

English

9.1% (8,113)

Top 20 Ancestries

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
German
10.2%
Irish
9.3%
English
9.1%
American
4.9%
Scottish
2.0%
European
1.4%
Italian
1.4%
French
1.4%
Scotch-Irish
0.9%
Welsh
0.8%
Dutch
0.8%
British
0.7%
Swedish
0.7%
Polish
0.4%
Sub-Saharan African
0.4%
Hungarian
0.3%
Norwegian
0.3%
West Indian
0.2%
Arab
0.1%
Swiss
0.1%

Families & Households

Total Households

36,480

Family Households

22,699

62.2%

Married Couples

15,261

41.8%

Non-Family Households

13,781

37.8%

Single Mother Households

5,653

15.5%

Single Father Households

1,785

4.9%

Living Alone

11,442

31.4%

Children Under 18

Total Children

18,339

In Married Couple

11,857

64.7%

With Single Mother

5,318

29.0%

With Single Father

1,164

6.3%

Family Income

Median Family Income

$68,304

Married Couple Income

$84,954

Single Mother Income

$42,121

Single Father Income

$44,137

Avg Family Size

2.4

Avg Non-Family Size

2.3

Grandparents w/ Grandchildren

2,186

Grandparents Responsible

863

Economy

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Income Overview

Median Household Income

$52,692

-28% vs national

Per Capita Income

$33,991

-9% vs national

Poverty Rate

18.3%

+35% vs national

Gini Index

0.5236

0 = perfect equality

Unemployment

6.7%

+28% vs national

SNAP Recipients

13.2%

of households

How Fort Smith Compares

Fort Smith vs Similar Cities

Compared to cities with 50,000 - 100,000 residents. Fort Smith is highlighted.

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Poverty Rate

Unemployment Rate

๐Ÿ“Š

Where Do You Stack Up?

Enter your household income to see how you compare to other households in Fort Smith. The median household income here is $52,692.

$

Income Distribution

<$25K
20.5%
$25-50K
27.4%
$50-75K
18.0%
$75-100K
10.8%
$100-150K
12.9%
$150-200K
4.8%
$200K+
5.6%

Employment Snapshot

Unemployment Rate

6.7%

+10% vs AR avg

Labor Force

43,801

Employed

40,761

Mean Commute

16 min

How People Get to Work

Employment by Sector

Education & Workforce

Bachelor's Degree+

16.9%

of adults 25+

High School Diploma+

36.1%

of adults 25+

Median Age

36.6

Work from Home

7.4%

of workers

Cost of Living

Overall Index

85.9

100 = national avg

-14.1 vs national average

Living Wage (1 Adult)

$37,789

per year

Living Wage (Family of 4)

$89,319

per year

Cost Index by Category

Housing
87.3
Food
90.3
Transportation
75.5
Healthcare
92.2
Utilities
91.6

100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.

Fair Market Rent

Source: HUD

1 Bedroom

$714

per month

2 Bedroom

$937

per month

The median household income in Fort Smith, AR is $52,692, which is 28.0% below the national average of $73,224. Per capita income is $33,991. The poverty rate of 18.3% is lower than the AR state average of 19.2%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.5236, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. The unemployment rate is 6.7%, compared to the state average of 6.1%. The labor force is 43,801. 16.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16 minutes, with 7.4% working from home. About 77.8% of workers drive alone to work. The overall cost of living index is 85.9, which is 14.1% below the national average. Housing costs are below the national average at an index of 87.3. A single adult needs to earn approximately $37,789 per year to cover basic expenses.

Housing & Real Estate

Market SnapshotRedfin โ€” January 2026

Median Sale Price

$240,000

Median List Price

$239,000

Price Per Sq Ft

$129

Days on Market

55

Active Inventory

349

Months of Supply

6.7

Buyer's market

Zillow Home Value

$188,546

ZHVI โ€” January 2026

Zillow Rent Index

$1,035

ZORI โ€” January 2026

Market CompetitivenessRedfin

Sold Above List

5.8%

Off Market in 2 Weeks

8.1%

Sale-to-List Ratio

97.0%

Buyer's market

Sold Above Asking
5.8%
Under Contract in 2 Wks
8.1%
Listings with Price Drops
22.6%

Price TrendsRedfin

Sale Price โ†‘ 26.3%List Price โ†‘ 3.3%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Market ActivityRedfin

Homes Sold

52

New Listings

84

Pending Sales

62

Homes Sold โ†“ 45.3%New Listings โ†“ 15.2%Pending โ†“ 41.5%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Price Per Square FootRedfin

Median Sale $/SF

$129

Median List $/SF

$137

Sale $/SF โ†‘ 8.4%List $/SF โ†‘ 6.2%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

House Price IndexFHFA

How much have housing prices increased in Fort Smith, AR? According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index for the Fort Smith, AR-OK metro area, home prices have risen 288.5% over the past 40 years. Over 20 years, prices grew 111.0%. The 10-year growth rate is 88.6%. Over the last 5 years, prices increased 60.8%. In the most recent 2-year period, the index rose 14.0%. The FHFA HPI tracks average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings of single-family properties with conforming mortgages. Because this is a metro-level index, it reflects the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK housing market rather than Fort Smith alone.

40yr โ†‘ 288.5%20yr โ†‘ 111%10yr โ†‘ 88.6%5yr โ†‘ 60.8%2yr โ†‘ 14%Q1 1985 โ†’ Q4 2025

Metro area: Fort Smith, AR-OK

Fort Smith vs Similar CitiesCensus ACS / Redfin

Compared to cities with 50,000 - 100,000 residents. Fort Smith is highlighted.

Median Home Value

Median Rent

Median Price Per Sq Ft

Rent Burden

Census Housing DataU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Home Value

$168,100

Median Rent

$852

Total Housing Units

40,146

Vacancy Rate

9.1%

Owner Occupied

53.0%

Renter Occupied

47.0%

Median Property Tax

$1,118

per year

Monthly Cost (w/ Mortgage)

$839

Housing Types

Single Family
68.8%
Multi-Family
30.5%
Mobile Home
0.6%

Property TaxU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Property Tax

$1,118

per year

Effective Tax Rate

0.67%

of home value

Median Home Value

$168,100

Estimated Mean Tax

$1,391

The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax ($1,118) by the median home value ($168,100). In Fort Smith, AR, this works out to an effective rate of 0.67%. This is below the national average of approximately 1.1%.

The current median sale price in Fort Smith, AR is $240,000 according to Redfin data. Homes spend a median of 55 days on the market. 5.8% of homes sold above asking price. The market has 6.7 months of supply. The median price per square foot is $129. Zillow's observed rent index is $1,035/month. About 53.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. The median year homes were built is 1976. There are 40,146 total housing units. Homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $1,118. The effective tax rate is 0.67%, below the national average.

Crime Overview

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)

Violent Crime Rate

8.44

per 1,000 residents

+224% vs national

Property Crime Rate

36.84

per 1,000 residents

+114% vs national

Total Crimes

4,074

2024

Violent Clearance

73%

cases solved

Property Clearance

12%

cases solved

YoY Change

-17.5%

violent crime rate

improving vs 2023

How Fort Smith Compares

Source: FBI (2024)

Fort Smith vs Similar Cities

Source: FBI (2024)

Compared to cities with 50,000 - 100,000 residents. Fort Smith is highlighted in green.

Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Property Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Murder Rate (per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trends

Source: FBI
Violent โ†‘ 5.3%Property โ†“ 37.5%2015 โ†’ 2024

Crime Composition

Source: FBI (2024)

Violent Crime Breakdown

Property Crime Breakdown

Crime Clearance (Solve) Rates

Source: FBI (2024)

Fort Smith police solve 77% of rape cases but only 10% of larceny/theft cases.

Weapon Used in Violent Crime

Source: FBI (2024)

Crime Breakdown

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)
Crime TypeCategoryCountRate per 1KClearance %
MurderViolent00.00N/A
RapeViolent810.9076.5%
RobberyViolent590.6662.7%
Aggravated AssaultViolent6186.8773.8%
BurglaryProperty4204.6719.5%
Larceny/TheftProperty2,61329.0410.0%
Motor Vehicle TheftProperty2823.1316.0%

Fort Smith, AR reported 759 violent crimes and 3,315 property crimes in 2024. The violent crime rate of 8.44 per 1,000 residents is 224.4% above the national average of 2.60 per 1,000. Law enforcement cleared 73% of violent crimes. Larceny/theft accounts for 2,613 of the property crime reports. Firearms were involved in 28.2% of aggravated assaults. Violent crime has been trending downward.

Crime History

Source: FBI
YearViolentPropertyViolent RateProperty Rate
20247593,3158.4436.84
20239243,76810.2241.67
20229404,45010.4449.44
20219974,91411.3455.90
20201,0324,87311.7255.33
20198635,1279.8058.23
20187344,4368.3150.24
20177894,5128.9251.02
20167145,2298.0659.04
20157025,1628.0158.92

Natural Hazard Risk

Source: FEMA National Risk Index

Risk Score

86.8

Relatively Moderate

Expected Annual Loss

85.9

Score (0-100)

Social Vulnerability

48.9

Score (0-100)

Community Resilience

38.8

Score (0-100)

Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.

Disaster History & Federal Spending

Source: FEMA

Total Declarations

21

Public Assistance

$19.3M

Individual Assistance

$7.8M

Most Common Type

Severe Storm

5 declarations

Public Assistance by Category

Total: $20.5M
DisasterTypeDatePA $IA $
Severe Winter Storm โ†’Winter StormJan 2026โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding โ†’Severe StormApr 2025โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Laura โ†’HurricaneAug 2020โ€”โ€”
Covid-19 Pandemic โ†’BiologicalApr 2020$949K$2.8M
Covid-19 โ†’BiologicalMar 2020โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms and Flooding โ†’FloodJun 2019$16.7M$2.0M
Severe Storms and Flooding โ†’FloodMay 2019โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line โ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormFeb 2016$70K$7K
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line โ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormJun 2015โ€”$112K
Severe Winter Storm โ†’Severe Ice StormJan 2014$788Kโ€”
Severe Winter Storm โ†’Severe Ice StormJan 2009โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding โ†’Severe StormMar 2008$693K$1.9M
Hurricane Katrina Evacuation โ†’HurricaneSep 2005โ€”โ€”
Severe Winter Ice Storm โ†’Severe Ice StormDec 2000$66Kโ€”
Severe Winter Ice Storm โ†’Severe Ice StormDec 2000โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms and Tornadoes โ†’Severe StormApr 1996โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms & Flooding โ†’FloodMay 1990โ€”โ€”
Drought โ†’DroughtDec 1976โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms & Flooding โ†’FloodJan 1972โ€”โ€”
Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding โ†’TornadoMay 1968โ€”โ€”

Showing 20 of 32 disasters

PA = FEMA Public Assistance (infrastructure recovery). IA = Individual Assistance (homeowner/renter aid).

Flood Insurance (NFIP)

Source: FEMA NFIP

Total Claims

421

Total Claims Paid

$18,992,386

Avg Claim Payout

$45,113

County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.

Hazard Mitigation

Source: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance

Mitigation Projects

35

Federal Funding

$20,448,485

Properties Protected

28

Avg Benefit-Cost Ratio

1.92

BCR

Top Mitigation Project Types

Project TypeProjectsFederal $
206.2: Safe Room (Tornado and Severe Wind Shelter) - Public Structures32$19,818,349
91.1: Local Multihazard Mitigation Plan2$58,353
206.1: Safe Room (Tornado and Severe Wind Shelter) - Private Structures; 206.2: Safe Room (Tornado and Severe Wind Shelter) - Public Structures1$571,783

Federally funded projects to reduce future disaster risk. Only includes completed or obligated projects.

Fort Smith has a relatively moderate overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are ice storm, heat wave, tornado. The area has had 21 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is severe storm (5 declarations). 421 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $19,252,387 in public assistance recovery funding. $7,839,335 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents. 35 hazard mitigation projects have been funded to reduce future risk.

Health

Community Health

Source: CDC PLACES

Obesity Rate

37.0%

0.9pp above the national average

Depression Rate

25.0%

1.5pp above the national average

Diabetes Rate

13.8%

1.9pp above the national average

Uninsured Rate

15.3%

4.7pp above the national average

Health Scorecard

Higher scores indicate better health outcomes relative to the national average (50 = average)

Health Outcomes

Age-adjusted prevalence rates. Green bars indicate rates below the national average; red indicates above.

High Cholesterol

39.7%

Arthritis

27.3%

Cancer (excl. skin)

7.5%

Teeth Lost (65+)

19.1%

Health Risk Behaviors

Prevention & Screening

Green bars indicate rates above the national average (more preventive care); red indicates below.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Frequent Mental Distress

19.7%

14+ days in past month

Depression

25.0%

Loneliness

37.2%

Lack of Support

27.9%

Disability Prevalence

Any Disability

38.9%

Mobility

18.0%

Cognitive

19.8%

Hearing

8.7%

Vision

7.5%

Self-Care

5.2%

Independent Living

11.1%

Health-Related Social Needs

Prevalence of social risk factors affecting community health

Fort Smith has an obesity rate of 37.0%, which is 0.9pp above the national average. The depression rate is 25.0%, 1.5pp above the national average. About 15.3% of adults lack health insurance. 77.3% of residents had an annual checkup in the past year.

Nearby Hospitals

Source: CMS Hospital Compare

Nearest Hospitals

5

With Emergency Services

4

Avg CMS Rating

2.5 / 5

Nearest Hospital

0.7 mi

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Loading mapโ€ฆ
HospitalDistanceTypeRatingER
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith0.7 miAcute Care Hospitals3/5Yes
Baptist Health - Fort Smith2.7 miAcute Care Hospitals2/5Yes
Valley Behavioral Health System5.4 miPsychiatricโ€”โ€”
Baptist Health - Van Buren8.4 miAcute Care Hospitalsโ€”Yes
Sequoyah County-City Of Sallisaw Hospital Authorit24.2 miAcute Care Hospitalsโ€”Yes

Climate & Environment

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

2

Pop. Served

86,289

Violations (5yr)

0

No violations

System NamePop. ServedViolations (5yr)
FORT SMITH WATER UTILITIES86,2090
SOUTH FORK HEIGHTS APARTMENTS800

Greenhouse Gas Emitters

Source: EPA GHGRP (2023)

Facilities Reporting

2

Total COโ‚‚e

139.3K MT

Top Emitter

GERDAU - FORT SMITH MILL

76.3K MT COโ‚‚e

Total COโ‚‚e vs Similar Cities (50,000 - 100,000)

FacilitySectorCOโ‚‚e (MT)
GERDAU - FORT SMITH MILL
Gerdau Usa Inc
Metals76,305
FORT SMITH SANITARY LANDFILL
City Of Ft Smith Arkansas
Waste63,040

Data from EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Includes facilities emitting 25,000+ metric tons COโ‚‚e/year.

There are 2 water systems serving the area. 2 industrial facilities report greenhouse gas emissions totaling 139.3K metric tons of COโ‚‚e.

Infrastructure

Commute Overview2023 ACS

Mean Commute

16 min

-32% vs national

Drive Alone

77.8%

-1% vs national

Public Transit

0.2%

-79% vs national

Work From Home

7.4%

-20% vs national

Carpool

11.0%

Walk / Bike

1.6%

combined

How Fort Smith's Commute ComparesCensus ACS 2023

How People Get to WorkCensus ACS 2023

Commute Mode BreakdownCensus ACS 2023

Traffic Fatalities

Source: NHTSA FARS (2023)

Fatalities

14

2023

6-Year Avg

12

fatalities/yr

Pedestrian

3

Cyclist

1

Nighttime

6

dark conditions

YearCrashesFatalitiesAlcoholPedestrianCyclist
20231414031
20221111011
20211718040
20201111121
201966010
201899430

Data from NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Includes only crashes involving at least one fatality.

The average commute in Fort Smith, AR is 16 minutes, which is 31.6% below the national average of 23 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone, compared to the national average of 78.7%. 7.4% work from home, which is above the AR state average of 5.8%. 11.0% of workers carpool. 1.5% walk to work. In 2023, there were 14 traffic fatalities from 14 fatal crashes. 3 were pedestrians.

Internet & Broadband Access

Source: Census ACS

Broadband Access

82.9%

of households

Cable / Fiber / DSL

72.2%

of households

No Internet

13.5%

of households

Total Households

36,480

Internet Subscription Types

Cable, Fiber, or DSL
72.2%
Cellular Data Plan
77.2%
Satellite
5.0%
Cellular Only (no wired)
8.3%
No Internet Access
13.5%

Device Ownership

Source: Census ACS

Has Computer

93.2%

of households

Smartphone

88.8%

of households

Desktop / Laptop

68.4%

of households

Tablet

56.0%

of households

Any Computing Device
93.2%
Smartphone
88.8%
Desktop / Laptop
68.4%
Tablet
56.0%
Smartphone Only
17.1%
No Computer
6.8%

Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).

Electricity Rates

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)

Residential Rate

12.3ยข

per kWh

-33% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg

Commercial Rate

10.2ยข

per kWh

-31% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg

Industrial Rate

6.6ยข

per kWh

-40% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg

Avg Monthly Bill

$129

residential

-11% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg

28% below the national average of 17.1ยข/kWh

Residential electricity in Arkansas averages 12.3ยข per kWh, compared to the national average of 17.1ยข. The average monthly electric bill is $129. State-level averages from EIA Electric Sales & Revenue data (2024).

Fort Smith vs Similar Cities

Source: EIA (2024)

Comparing electricity rates with randomly selected cities of similar population (50,000 - 100,000). Each city represents its state's average rate.

Residential Rate (ยข/kWh)

Commercial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Industrial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Average Monthly Bill

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

2

Population Served

86,289

Violations (5yr)

0

System NameTypeSourcePop. ServedViolations
FORT SMITH WATER UTILITIESCommunitySurface water86,2090
SOUTH FORK HEIGHTS APARTMENTSCommunityGround water under influence of surface water800

82.9% of households in Fort Smith have broadband internet access. 72.2% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 8.3% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 13.5% of households have no internet access. 17.1% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 2 water systems, providing water to 86,289 people. No water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years.

Politics & Government

County-level data: Election results are reported at the county level. Fort Smith is located in Sebastian County, AR. Results reflect all voters in the county, not just those in Fort Smith.

Election Overview

Source: Sebastian County (2024)

2024 Winner

Republican

Dem Votes

13,652

30.0%

GOP Votes

30,719

67.6%

Total Votes

45,452

Margin

R+37.5%

Shift from 2020

R+2.1pp

vs prior election

๐Ÿ“ŠElection Results by Year
2016โ€“2024
๐Ÿ“ˆPartisan Lean Trend
R+37.5%

Election History

Source: County-Level Election Results
YearDem VotesGOP VotesTotalDem %GOP %Margin
202413,65230,71945,45230.0%67.6%R+37.5
202014,48731,19847,14030.7%66.2%R+35.5
201612,18428,76943,55728.0%66.0%R+38.1

In the 2024 presidential election, Sebastian County recorded 45,452 total votes. Republicans won the county with 67.6% of the vote compared to 30.0% for Democrats, a margin of R+37.5%. Compared to 2020, the margin shifted R+2.1pp from the previous election.

Nonprofits Overview

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Total Nonprofits

452

Total Assets

$1.2B

Total Income

$1.1B

Per 10K Residents

50.5

nonprofits

+10.5% vs peers avg

Orgs with >$1M Assets

76

Median Assets

$668K

Oldest Active

1938

ruling year

Newest Org

2025

ruling year

Nonprofits by Category

Source: IRS / NTEE Classification
Religion
60
Human Services
32
Arts & Culture
30
Education
29
Philanthropy
25
Recreation & Sports
22
Health Care
18
Housing & Shelter
17
Youth Development
15
Community Improvement
14
Animal-Related
12
Mental Health
10
Food & Agriculture
5
International
4
Voluntary Health
3
Crime & Legal
3
Environment
2
Employment
2
Public Safety
2
Public Benefit
2
Medical Research
1
Social Science
1
Mutual Benefit
1
Unknown
1
75.8%of all nonprofit assets are held by the 10 largest organizations

Top 10 hold $891.5M of $1.2B total

Nonprofit Size Distribution

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Number of nonprofits by total asset size

When Were Nonprofits Founded?

Source: IRS Ruling Date

Number of currently active nonprofits by founding decade

Nonprofits per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: IRS BMF + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 50,000 - 100,000

Largest Nonprofits in Fort Smith

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF
OrganizationCategoryAssetsIncomeEst.IRS
MERCY HOSPITAL FORT SMITHHealth Care$381.2M$541.1M1946
ARKANSAS COLLEGES OF HEALTH EDUCATIONEducation$171.1M$93.2M2014
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FORT SMITH FOUNDATION INCEducation$147.7M$66.9M1975
ARKANSAS FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL CARE INCHealth Care$43.5M$46.7M2016
US MARSHALS MUSEUM INCArts & Culture$38.7M$3.3M2008
BOST INCHuman Services$33.7M$40.2M1981
MERCY HEALTH FOUNDATION FORT SMITHโ€”$21.0M$11.8M1974
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTSArts & Culture$20.3M$1.1M2017
METHODIST NURSING HOME OF FORT SMITH INCHealth Care$19.9M$17.8M1962
THE DEGEN FOUNDATIONHealth Care$14.3M$492K1983
UNITED WAY OF FORT SMITH AREA INCPhilanthropy$13.8M$4.0M1971
FORT SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARYEducation$13.3M$4.0M1959
HARBOR HOUSE INC OF FORT SMITHโ€”$12.7M$11.2M1966
FORT SMITH BOYS CLUBYouth Development$11.0M$3.1M1955
MERCY HEALTH FORT SMITH COMMUNITIESHealth Care$10.9M$569K2013
WESTRN ARKANSAS COUNSELING & GUIDANCE CENTER INCORPORATEDMental Health$10.7M$23.8M1969
AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN ARKANSAS INCHuman Services$10.7M$12.2M1979
FORT SMITH EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICESHealth Care$10.7M$16.0M1979
TOM J & EDNA MAE CARSON FOUNDATIONโ€”$9.6M$1.9M1990
ARKANSAS FAMILY SUPPORTS INCHuman Services$9.2M$12.9M2016
NELSON HALL HOMESHousing & Shelter$8.4M$2.3M2014
CRAWFORD SEBASTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL INCCommunity Improvement$8.0M$42.6M1966
WILLIAM THOMAS & MAY PITMAN HENNESSY FOUNDATIONโ€”$6.7M$3.5M1965
THE FORT SMITH BOYS CLUB CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TRUSTYouth Development$6.4M$2.2M1989
ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA REGIONAL EDUCATION & PROMOTION ASSN INCEducation$5.4M$2.8M1975
METHODIST VILLAGE INCHousing & Shelter$5.0M$251K1983
FORT SMITH ART CENTER INCArts & Culture$4.7M$870K1959
FORT SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY ENDOWMENT TRPhilanthropy$4.6M$1.2M1997
TG 101 INCHousing & Shelter$4.6M$1.1M2002
THE GREGORY KISTLER TREATMENT CENTER INCHealth Care$4.5M$8.6M1979
COMMUNITY RESCUE MISSION INCHuman Services$4.0M$1.1M1981
GORMAN TOWERS INCHousing & Shelter$3.6M$2.1M1978
BOYS SHELTER INCCommunity Improvement$3.2M$1.3M2014
FORT KIDSArts & Culture$3.2M$633K2022
FORT SMITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION INCPhilanthropy$3.0M$1.7M1997
WHITT FAMILY FOUNDATION INCHuman Services$2.8M$88K2023
CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTER INCORPORATEDโ€”$2.7M$1.1M1971
FORT SMITH CHILDRENS EMERGENCY SHELTER FOUNDATIONHuman Services$2.6M$780K2015
CANCER SUPPORT FOUNDATIONโ€”$2.6M$517K1978
HACFS PROPERTIESHousing & Shelter$2.4M$237K2023
FORT SMITH SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION INCArts & Culture$2.4M$884K1965
WESTERN ARKANSAS PLANNING ANDCommunity Improvement$2.2M$1.8M1972
COMPASS REALTY & CONSTRUCTION GROUPHousing & Shelter$2.2M$6.5M2019
ELIZABETH H & STANLEY E EVANS FOUNDATIONโ€”$2.1M$787K1965
RIVERVIEW HOPE CAMPUSHousing & Shelter$2.1M$2.2M2019
GIRLS INCORPORATED OF FORT SMITHYouth Development$2.1M$692K1951
LITTLE THEATRE OF FORT SMITH ARKANSAS INCArts & Culture$2.1M$225K1977
BUCK AND EVELYN WAID TRUST FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCECommunity Improvement$2.0M$361K2015
GRANT T WHITE FOUNDATIONโ€”$2.0M$1.1M1983
WESTERN ARKANSAS YOUTH FOUNDATION INCYouth Development$2.0M$167K1986

Fort Smith, AR has 452 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with combined assets of $1.2B. The most common category is Religion-Related, with 60 organizations. 76 nonprofits have assets exceeding $1 million. That works out to 50.5 nonprofits per 10,000 residents. The oldest active nonprofit dates back to 1938.

SBA Lending Overview

Source: SBA FOIA Loan-Level Data

Total SBA Loans

384

Total Approved

$139.8M

Jobs Supported

2,587

Per 10K Residents

42.9

SBA loans

-83.1% vs peers avg

Unique Lenders

69

Top Lender

Regions Bank

60 loans

Top Industry

Accommodation & Food Services

Data Span

1992โ€“2026

Loan Program Breakdown

Source: SBA FOIA
7(a)94% of all loans

Loans

361

Total Amount

$120.5M

Avg Loan

$333,763

Median Loan

$120,000

SBA Guaranteed

$91.4M(76%)

Jobs Supported

2,107

5046% of all loans

Loans

23

Total Amount

$19.3M

Avg Loan

$839,478

Median Loan

$755,000

7(a) โ€” 94%504 โ€” 6%

Recent Activity (Last 5 Years)

Source: SBA FOIA

Recent Loans

54

14% of all-time total

Recent Amount

$46.2M

33% of all-time total

Avg Recent Loan

$856,457

Top Industries Funded

Source: SBA FOIA / NAICS Codes
Accommodation & Food Services47 loans
NAICS 72
$25.4M
Retail Trade42 loans
NAICS 44
$24.9M
Other Services32 loans
NAICS 81
$5.2M
Health Care & Social Assistance30 loans
NAICS 62
$14.0M
Professional & Technical Services28 loans
NAICS 54
$5.8M

SBA Loans per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: SBA FOIA + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 50,000 - 100,000

Top SBA Borrowers

Source: SBA FOIA
BusinessLoansAmount
Pic N Tote Two Llc2$6.8M
Pic N Tote Midland Llc2$6.6M
Pic N Tote Three Llc2$6.1M
Ishani Hotel Llc1$3.1M
Sunshine Hotel Llc1$3.0M
Grm Innovations Llc2$3.0M
Jam Mart Short Stop Truck Stop1$2.7M
Tony's Tire Service Inc.4$2.6M
Licor Group Llc1$2.5M
Samairah Hospitality Llc1$2.4M

Fort Smith, AR has received 384 SBA loans totaling $139.8M in approved funding between 1992 and 2026. The 7(a) program accounts for 361 loans (94% of the total), supporting 2,107 jobs. The 504 program, focused on real estate and large equipment, has funded 23 loans totaling $19.3M. The most common industry receiving SBA funding is Accommodation & Food Services. The most active SBA lender in Fort Smith is Regions Bank with 60 loans. That works out to 42.9 SBA loans per 10,000 residents.

ZIP Code Overview

Source: Census ACS

ZIP Codes

12

Total Population

144,535

Avg Median Income

-$111,064,742

Avg Home Value

-$55,419,747

ZIP Code Details

Source: Census ACS
ZIP CodePopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueMedian RentArea (sq mi)
7290119,966$42,568$113,200$8378.7
7290326,318$60,186$216,200$80416.2
7290422,627$40,357$108,200$81713.7
729050N/AN/AN/A14.6
7290814,003$68,697$181,600$8867.7
7291611,087$88,125$257,100$1,21237.7
729234,971$52,210$125,600$89316.4
7295634,102$60,387$177,100$825103.8
749012,001$39,236$67,300$67719.6
749024,359$48,333$134,200$74730.2
7494635N/A$106,300$8501.1
749545,066$56,333$142,900$85020.9

Fort Smith, AR has 12 ZIP codes with a combined population of 144,535. The average median household income across all ZIP codes is -$111,064,742. The average median home value is -$55,419,747. The average median monthly rent is -$55,554,772.

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