195 movers in Fort Smith

What to know when moving to Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community where 55.3% of residents are renters and median household income is $42,568.
The Major Draw:
Median gross rent is $837, making housing relatively affordable.
The Reality Check:
With a poverty rate of 23.9%, economic challenges are present.
Commute:
Only 0.4% of residents use public transit.
Top Tip:
Budget for $837/month in rent.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Fort Smith has a population of about 19,966, and 55.3% are renters, indicating a strong rental market. The area has an education rate where only 21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which may appeal to those seeking a more relaxed educational environment. However, the poverty rate of 23.9% shows that economic challenges exist, which can influence local opportunities and services.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated community since only 21.1% hold a bachelor's degree.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $837, while the median owner-occupied home value is $113,200.
  • The community has a poverty rate of 23.9%, which reflects economic conditions.
  • Only 0.4% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
  • Renter percentage is 55.3%, showing a significant portion of the population is renting.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

Crime data for Arkansas shows that property crime is at a state annual rate of 1,691.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 9.3% higher than the national average. Violent crime is significantly higher in Arkansas at a rate of 541.9 per 100,000, which is 66.6% above the national average.

  • Violent crime: Arkansas has an annual rate of 541.9 per 100,000 vs. the national rate of 325.3.
  • Property crime: The state rate is 1,691.2 per 100,000, compared to 1,546.9 nationally.
  • Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 34.9% since 2022.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arkansas).

Schools & Higher Ed

Fort Smith has access to 6 postsecondary institutions, including:

  • University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
  • Academy of Salon and Spa
  • Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
  • Career Academy of Hair Design - Fort Smith
  • Designer Barber & Stylist School
  • Designer Barber & Stylist School -

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

While climate data is unavailable, Fort Smith has several parks and outdoor spots that make for great outings:

  • Fort Smith National Historic Site - 4.7 (2432 reviews)
  • Creekmore Park - 4.5 (1402 reviews)
  • Ben Geren Regional Park - 4.6 (1264 reviews)
  • Parrot Island Waterpark - 4.2 (1425 reviews)
  • United States Marshals Museum - 4.7 (754 reviews)

Source: Google Places API.

Jobs & the Local Economy

In Sebastian County, the job market shows a total employment of 57,809 with an unemployment rate of 4.3% as of December 2025.

  • Unemployment rate: 4.3% (December 2025)
  • Employment: 57,809
  • Labor force: 60,395

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Fort Smith interstate movers?

Fort Smith moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Arkansas

Let's see how many people move within Arkansas versus those who moved from The Natural State to another state.

Moved Within AR
32%
Moved out of AR
68%

It appears that much more people have made up their mind to move out of Arkansas (interstate moves: 68%) than to move to another town or city within the state (local moves: 32%).

Despite the state’s motto Regnat populous (The people rule), the majority of Arkansans have ruled against staying in Arkansas and have moved out of the state in search of better opportunities for them and their families.

Who regulates Arkansas local movers

To transport household goods within the state of Arkansas, movers must have a valid permit. Before being able to legitimately move household goods, moving companies must apply for Arkansas Intrastate Authority.

Agency: Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department
Address: 10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
Phone: (501) 569-2000
Website: www.ardot.gov

What do people move within Arkansas?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in AR?

Studio (4%)
1 Bedroom (22%)
2 Bedroom (25%)
3 Bedroom (33%)
4 Bedroom (5%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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