Fort Smith, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Fort Smith, Arkansas is 89,496 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in Arkansas. The median household income is $52,692, the median home value is $168,100, and the median age is 36.6.
The population has grown 4.9% since 2010 (86,291 → 90,507).
89,496
Population
1394
People / sq mi
$52,692
Median Income
$168,100
Median Home Value
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Fort Smith covers 64.2 sq mi of land at 1394 people per square mile.
About Fort Smith, AR
What sets Fort Smith apart is money: median household income runs $52,692, below the US median of $78,538. With 89,496 residents, Fort Smith is a city in Arkansas. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Arkansas in the country, at #3 by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,692, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.2%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $168,100, with typical rent around $852.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 25.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 7.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Fort Smith city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Fort Smith city had a population of 86,291 in 2010 and 90,507 in 2024, a 4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 90,507 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.34%.
90,507
Population (2024)
86,291
Population (2010)
90,507
Peak (2024)
0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 86,291 |
| 2011 | 87,205 |
| 2012 | 87,624 |
| 2013 | 87,385 |
| 2014 | 87,131 |
| 2015 | 87,677 |
| 2016 | 87,561 |
| 2017 | 87,834 |
| 2018 | 87,720 |
| 2019 | 87,891 |
| 2020 | 89,159 |
| 2021 | 89,411 |
| 2022 | 90,167 |
| 2023 | 89,859 |
| 2024 | 90,507 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 61.2% |
| Black or African American | 7.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$52,692
Median Household Income
$33,991
Per Capita Income
13.2%
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$168,100
Median Home Value
$852
Median Rent
53.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
83.5%
High School+
25.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.2%
Drive Alone
77.8%
Public Transit
7.4%
Work From Home
17.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
34.6%
Foreign Born
79.1%
Non-English at Home
7.2%
Veterans
22.5%
With Disability
87.2%
Health Insurance
93.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 21.2% |
| Manufacturing | 17.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.1% |
| Construction | 6.6% |
| Retail Trade | 5.8% |
| Information | 5.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.9% |
| Public Administration | 3.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
Largest cities in Arkansas
Largest counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Smith, Arkansas has a population of 89,496 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in Arkansas.
The median household income in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $52,692, with 13.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $168,100, with median monthly rent at $852 and a homeownership rate of 53.0%.
The median age in Fort Smith, Arkansas is 36.6 years. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The population has grown 4.9% since 2010 (86,291 → 90,507).
Where to stay in Fort Smith
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Statewide data for Arkansas
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Arkansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.