Fort Smith, AR Rental Market
Fort Smith is a manufacturing and logistics hub straddling the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, home to Rheem Manufacturing, Gerber Products, and ArcBest Corporation's trucking operations. The city's blue-collar industrial base and its role as the economic center of the Arkansas River Valley generate steady working-class rental demand. Very low median home prices near $145,000 produce one of the highest gross yields in the state, making it a cash-flow-focused market for value investors.
Get a rent estimate for an address in Fort SmithAverage Rent in Fort Smith, AR
$880
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Fort Smith, AR Rental Market
- Average rent in Fort Smith, AR:$880/mo
- Median rent:$810/mo
- Rent range:$450 – $1,950/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$775/mo
- Active listings:520
- Avg days to lease:38 days
- Year-over-year change:+2.5%
- Median home value:$145,000
- Est. gross annual yield:7.3%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Fort Smith, AR
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Fort Smith.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $625/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $775/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,000/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,225/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $1,375/mo |
Fort Smith Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Fort Smith, AR rental market.
520
Available now in Fort Smith
38
From list to lease
$0.70
Average across listings
1,250 sq ft
Typical rental size
$450 – $1,950
Min to max active listings
+2.5%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Fort Smith, AR Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$145,000
Typical purchase price in Fort Smith
Est. Gross Annual Yield
7.3%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$880
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Fort Smith for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Fort Smith, AR Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Fort Smith, AR.
What is the average rent in Fort Smith, AR?
The average rent in Fort Smith, AR is $880 per month as of 2026 — the most affordable market in our Arkansas coverage. One-bedroom apartments average $625/mo, two-bedrooms average $775/mo, and three-bedroom homes average $1,000/mo. The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith provides additional student and staff tenant demand in neighborhoods near campus.
Is Fort Smith, AR a good place to invest in rental property?
Fort Smith offers a 7.3% estimated gross annual yield, the highest in our Arkansas coverage, driven by very low median home values near $145,000. Rheem Manufacturing, Gerber, and ArcBest provide stable blue-collar employment that underpins rental demand. Best suited for investors seeking high cash-flow yields and willing to manage in a working-class market with modest rent growth of 2.5% per year.
How competitive is the Fort Smith, AR rental market?
Fort Smith has approximately 520 active listings with an average of 38 days on market — a slower pace that reflects its size and market maturity. Demand is most consistent near the UAFS campus and in established residential areas close to major manufacturing employers. Investors who price properties competitively relative to local BAH rates (the region has a National Guard presence) can typically achieve low vacancy.
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