Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fort Smith?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Smith, you need to earn at least $38,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,799, which means the typical resident is $12,359 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 89,315

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$673	$2,243	$26,920	$-23,879
1 Bedroom	$798	$2,660	$31,920	$-18,879
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$961	$3,203	$38,440	$-12,359
3 Bedroom	$1,172	$3,907	$46,880	$-3,919
4 Bedroom	$1,442	$4,807	$57,680	+$6,881

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Fort Smith's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,799

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,359

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fort Smith

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fort Smith's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,270

Studio

$673/mo

1 BR

$798/mo

2 BR

$961/mo

3 BR

$1,172/mo

4 BR

$1,442/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fort Smith.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Fort Smith's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fort Smith

Living in Fort Smith is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,359 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fort Smith typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fort Smith, a studio at $673/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,172/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $57,660 would position you well — though many residents in Fort Smith manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

With a total population of 89,315, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 40,561 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,440 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

40,561

Active civilian employees in Fort Smith

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fort Smith

What salary do I need to live in Fort Smith, Arkansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Smith under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,440. The median household income in Fort Smith is $50,799.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Smith on $50,799?

The affordability verdict for Fort Smith is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.7%, meaning median earners have a $12,359 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fort Smith compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fort Smith is $798/month. With a median household income of $50,799, residents spend approximately 22.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fort Smith?

A studio in Fort Smith rents for approximately $673/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,920 to afford this.

Is Fort Smith considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,359 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fort Smith is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,440 to the local median household income.

How Fort Smith Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements