Fort Smith, AR
Landlord insurance in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Local rental data and insurance guidance for Fort Smith property owners. A quote is not a binder.
With an estimated 90,507 residents, Fort Smith has around 17,151 renter households, about 47% of occupied housing. Statewide, Arkansas sits at 34%, so Fort Smith's rental share is above the state figure.
Census snapshot: Fort Smith housing
| Measure | Fort Smith | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Renter-occupied homes | 47% (17,151) | 34% |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $178,100 | $188,000 |
| Median gross rent | $884/mo | $947/mo |
| Median year structure built | 1977 | 1987 |
| Homes in 2–4 unit buildings | 14% | 6% |
| Single-family homes (detached or attached) | 70% | 72% |
Figures from the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 2020–2024 five-year estimates; 2024 population estimates).
What home values in Fort Smith mean for your dwelling limit
The median owner-occupied home in Fort Smith is valued at about $178,100, in line with the Arkansas median of $188,000. Market value includes land, so it is only a starting point: your dwelling limit should reflect what it would cost to rebuild the structure.
For context, the NAIC reported that Arkansas dwelling-fire policies insuring $150,000 to $199,999 averaged $899 a year in 2023, against a statewide dwelling-fire average of $571. Those are owner-occupied dwelling-form figures, not landlord quotes.
Protecting rental income in Fort Smith
Rents in Fort Smith center on about $884 monthly, including utilities where tenants pay them. Many owners plan for a year offline after a serious loss, which works out near $10,608 per unit at the median.
Older vs. newer rentals in Fort Smith
A median build year of 1977 puts much of Fort Smith's rental stock in the 1960s–70s range. Some homes from that period used aluminum branch wiring or now-obsolete panels, so disclose upgrades clearly.
What Fort Smith landlords typically own
Small multi-family buildings are a real part of Fort Smith's housing at roughly 14% of units. If you own a duplex, triplex, or fourplex here, read our guide to 2–4 unit buildings.
Fort Smith next to other Arkansas rental cities
For comparison, Little Rock comes in at 46% rented and $236,400 median value, with median rent of $1,106. Nearby Fayetteville reports 58% renter households and a $349,600 median home value, so proportionally more renters than Fort Smith. Nearby Springdale reports 47% renter households and a $261,800 median home value, so proportionally fewer renters than Fort Smith. By renter share, Fort Smith is number 7 on our list of 20 Arkansas cities. Roughly 16% of homes in Fort Smith are in buildings of five or more units, the point where most owners move to commercial apartment policies.
Storm and hazard considerations in Fort Smith
For rentals in Fort Smith, the hazards that most often shape Arkansas landlord coverage include ice storms and river and flash flooding, which requires separate flood coverage. Ask how your policy handles each, and whether any separate deductible applies.
Hazard themes reflect FEMA’s National Risk Index and NOAA’s Storm Events Database; check the index for your specific county.
What to have ready for a Fort Smith quote
- Lender name for the mortgagee clause
- How much liability and lost rent you want covered
- Street address in Fort Smith and number of units
- Year built and roof age
- Lease type and whether the unit is ever empty
- Dates of wiring, plumbing, and HVAC upgrades
- Prior carrier, expiration date, and five-year loss history
Request a Fort Smith landlord quote
Questions from Fort Smith rental owners
How many renters live in Fort Smith?
About 47% of occupied homes in Fort Smith, roughly 17,151 households, are renter-occupied according to the 2020–2024 American Community Survey.
Is landlord insurance required in Fort Smith?
Not by statute. In practice, a Fort Smith rental with a mortgage will need property coverage, and associations or managers often insist on liability limits.
What is a typical landlord premium in Fort Smith?
It depends on the building, coverage, and deductible. For background, the NAIC reported a 2023 Arkansas dwelling-fire average of $571; see our Arkansas page for the full table.
Other Arkansas cities
Landlord insurance in Arkansas · Cost by state
Last updated October 15, 2026. Sources and method: how we research.