Fort Smith, AR Census Data
The 3rd largest city in Arkansas by population · 9 cities ranked
Fort Smith is the 3rd largest city in Arkansas by population and ranks 7th of 9 for median household income. With 89,496 residents, its poverty rate of 18.3% ranks among the higher rates in Arkansas. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
89,496
49.3% male · 50.7% female
Median Age
36.6
2.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$52,692
$25,846 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
25.3%
9.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 83.5%
Poverty Rate
18.3%
5.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.8%
Broadband Access
93.2%
3.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$168,100
Median rent: $852 · 53% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
Labor force participation: 57.5%
Per Capita Income
$34,218
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.2%
Disability rate: 22.5%
How Fort Smith Compares to Other Arkansas Cities
Rankings among all 9 Arkansas cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 3rd of 9 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 7th of 9 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 5th of 9 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 8th of 9 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 9 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Fort Smith, AR Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Smith, AR?
The population of Fort Smith, AR is 89,496 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.6 years.
What is the median household income in Fort Smith?
The median household income in Fort Smith, AR is $52,692, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $34,218.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Smith?
The poverty rate in Fort Smith, AR is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Fort Smith residents have a college degree?
25.3% of adults (25+) in Fort Smith hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 83.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Fort Smith?
The median home value in Fort Smith, AR is $168,100. Median rent is $852 per month, with 53% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Smith?
Fort Smith's population is 61.2% White, 7.7% Black, 20.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Fort Smith rank among Arkansas cities?
Fort Smith is the 3rd largest city in Arkansas by population, the 7th highest for median household income, the 5th lowest for poverty rate, the 8th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 9 ranked Arkansas cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Smith?
The unemployment rate in Fort Smith, AR is 6.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.5%. Per capita income is $34,218.
Cities Similar to Fort Smith
Other Arkansas cities with comparable population and income levels.