196 movers in Fort Smith
"Trudy see you in court soon……. We were relocating from NorthWest Arkansas area to the DFW area in Texas when we ran across the adverts of Maxforce delivery service online. We engaged their services to move our properties from Bentonville Arkansa..."
"We used this company to move us. We submitted our reports (on time) regarding multiple damages caused by them. Their claims dept has repeatedly lied to us & we have been promised that "a check was in the mail" 6 or 7 times. Now, they are saying ou..."
"I would never recommend this company if they were the last moving company on the face of the Earth! They brought a 26' truck to move a 1,800 sq. ft home. I was quoted a price for 2 guys and they weren't worth the 3 I was sent. The tore and broke ..."
"FMS moved us in June 2013. It was a local move from storage units to our new home. They damaged several big ticket items and in a few cases lied about the damage. When they promised to have a few of the items repaired and replaced, it took over 6 ..."
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.