Median Income
$52,292
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$129,200
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.9%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Fort Smith Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population105
Median Age63.1 yrs
Density76/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans26.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$52,292
Per Capita$32,880
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,286M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$129,200
Ownership93.0%
Zillow$204,573
Housing Units158
Rent Burden19.9%
Health
Obesity32.9%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking21.7%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain16.7 in/yr
Elevation3,194 ft (974 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score2.86
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 47%
Commute4 min
Broadband80.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Fort Smith a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Smith receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Fort Smith stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Smith is $52,292, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Smith is $129,200, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Fort Smith experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches, including 43.9 inches of snow.
Fort Smith has a population of 105 with a density of 76 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 63.1 years, 62% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.1% female and 62.9% male. The city is predominantly White (82.9%), with 17.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 26.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 45.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
105
Total Population
2023 Census
63.1yrs
Median Age
62% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Smith vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Smith vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Smith is $52,292, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,880 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 270 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Smith vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,292 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,880 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 270 |
| County GDP | $1,286M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,243 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fort Smith is $129,200, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,573, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 158 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,243. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $129,200 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,573 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.0% |
| Housing Units | 158 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,243 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.51% |
In Fort Smith, 32.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 21.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,851. The dentist ratio is 1:1,428. 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Smith vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.9% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.7% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,851 |
| Dentists | 1:1,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:797 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.8% |
| Dental Visits | 51.6% |
| Premature Death | 25,709/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Fort Smith experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,194 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,194 ft (974 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 76/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3171°N, 107.9351°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Big Horn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.7"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.62"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.2 on Jul 21, 2023.
| Aug 22, 2009 |
20 km SSE of Birney, Montana |
M4.0 |
118 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Jul 21, 2023 |
Eastern Montana |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| Feb 13, 1998 |
12 km NE of Hyattville, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Mar 2, 2014 |
9 km SE of Washakie Ten, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Jul 22, 2016 |
21 km W of Cody, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Mar 23, 2023 |
8 km S of Shell, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Mar 30, 2018 |
20 km NNE of Sheridan, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Birney, Montana |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
27 km ENE of Lovell, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
41 km |
| May 30, 2018 |
10 km SW of Meadow Lark Lake, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
98 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
63 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 2, 1985 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1964 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1962 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1959 |
EF2 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1958 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2018 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2001 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1997 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1991 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINE RIDGE COMPLEX (103,074 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
BUNDY RAILROAD |
91,575 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
SARPY HILLS COMPLEX |
83,942 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
BABY DEAN |
61,955 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
SARPY |
51,619 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLEHAWK |
27,926 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
BLACK SPRINGS COMPLEX |
19,473 |
95 km |
| 1988 |
KIRBY |
14,253 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
BONE CREEK |
12,776 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
ROLLOVER |
10,743 |
54 km |
| 2020 |
GASS FLATS |
10,723 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
SLOUGH GRASS |
9,384 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
9,027 |
50 km |
| 1996 |
COLFAX |
8,429 |
35 km |
| 2021 |
CRATER RIDGE |
8,147 |
43 km |
| 2024 |
BADGER |
7,891 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
HORSE CREEK |
7,635 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
THUNDER CH |
7,539 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
BIRTHDAY2 |
6,553 |
12 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Fort Smith has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 29°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.6") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Fort Smith. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142-$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189-$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95-$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757-$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142-$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378-$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95-$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57-$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142-$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784-$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378-$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203-$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473-$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730-$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892-$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757-$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189-$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946-$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71-$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84-$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37-$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37-$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84-$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78-$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76-$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135-$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28-$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568-$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473-$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189-$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378-$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730-$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95-$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $944 |
| Toddler | $982 |
| Preschool | $843 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $743 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Smith
What is the population of Fort Smith?
Fort Smith has a population of 105 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 76 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.1% female and 62.9% male.
Is Fort Smith expensive to live in?
Fort Smith is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,292, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,200 (54% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 16.7 inches, with 43.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Smith?
The job market in Fort Smith is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 270 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Smith?
The median home value in Fort Smith is $129,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,573. The homeownership rate is 93.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,243.
How are the schools in Fort Smith?
Schools in Fort Smith have an average test score of 2.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Fort Smith hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Smith?
The obesity rate in Fort Smith is 32.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.7% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,851.
What is transportation like in Fort Smith?
The average commute in Fort Smith is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Smith?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Smith is 82.9% White, 17.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 26.7% of the population are military veterans. 45.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.