Cost of Living in Fort Smith, AR
Population 89,496 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Fort Smith cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $168,000, rents near $852 a month. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Fort Smith lies roughly 90 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Broken Arrow. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Broken Arrow's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Smith
The median home value in Fort Smith is $168,100 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $852/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,692/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 73.8°F and lows of 51.0°F, with about 2.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 51 | 57 | 66 | 75 | 81 | 89 | 94 | 94 | 87 | 76 | 63 | 53 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 42 | 50 | 60 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 63 | 51 | 40 | 32 |
| Precip" | 2.91 | 2.69 | 3.90 | 4.87 | 5.63 | 4.56 | 3.39 | 3.60 | 4.04 | 4.42 | 3.85 | 3.48 |
| Snow" | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Smith, AR?
The median gross rent in Fort Smith is $852 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Smith?
The median home value in Fort Smith is $168,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Smith?
The median household income in Fort Smith is $52,692 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Smith, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Smith is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Fort Smith, AR affordable?
Yes, Fort Smith is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith has average high temperatures of 73.8°F and average lows of 51.0°F. Annual precipitation is 47.3". Average annual snowfall is 2.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fort Smith at a Glance
- Population
- 89,496
- Median Income
- $52,692
- Home Value
- $168,100
- Median Rent
- $852/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
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