ZIP Code 72901 in Fort Smith, AR

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Fort Smith, Arkansas
County:Sebastian County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:9:38:40 AM
Population:20,973 [See All]
Area Code:479
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.3667, -94.4147
Land Area:8.736 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 72901 has 20,973 residents and 8,929 households (average 2.28 persons per household). The median age is 37.3 years, slightly younger than the state (38.8) and slightly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.4% male and 49.6% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (49.0%). Largest groups are White (63.8%, lower than the state average of 70.2%) and Hispanic or Latino (18.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 18.0%, which is much higher than the state average (8.5%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:20,973Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:19,966Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:21,406Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:2,400.8 people per sq mile
Average Income:$42,568Source: Census ACS
Households:8,929Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$113,200Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.28Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.60Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--22,74722,59122,82222,99522,14822,20121,63920,98521,53721,71821,18320,78319,966
Decennial Census21,591------------------20,973------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 37.3

Male Median Age: 36.6

Female Median Age: 38.1

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male668630701639796839760760681619699734696557347208123117
Female649629617612736768758724626640641687650573426287178198
Total1,3171,2591,3181,2511,5321,6071,5181,4841,3071,2591,3401,4211,3461,130773495301315
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:13,38060.06%
Black:1,8908.48%
Hispanic:*3,77616.95%
Asian:5942.67%
American Indian:5442.44%
Hawaiian:90.04%
Other:2,0839.35%
Total:22,276100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:10,57450.42%36.6 years
Females:10,39949.58%38.1 years
Total:20,973100%37.3 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:17,93789.84%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:1720.86%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:4652.33%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:1,3929.30%
Total Population:19,966100%
Total Native Population:18,10990.70%
Total Foreign-born Population:1,8579.30%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $42,568, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $11,069 (35.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,040. Family households earn a median of $57,908 versus $28,536 for nonfamily households (a difference of $29,372). By gender, male median income is $42,256 and female is $33,878, which is much lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $8,378 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 62.9%, which is well above the state rate (58.3%). The unemployment rate is 10.5%, which is markedly higher than the state rate (5.1%). The largest occupation group is Management (27.1%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$31,499$31,051$30,281$30,150$27,341$27,972$29,818$32,424$36,528$37,728$39,016$42,361$42,568
Median Family Income$39,375$38,016$38,319$37,068$36,310$40,202$38,571$44,413$48,624$47,312$49,327$55,319$57,908
Median NonFamily Income$19,935$19,273$19,333$20,056$19,390$18,611$21,307$24,149$24,348$24,750$25,698$27,220$28,536
Median Male Income$31,377$30,867$28,770$29,218$29,007$30,753$31,032$30,915$35,182$33,902$35,877$40,659$42,256
Median Female Income$24,002$22,457$22,170$22,122$22,266$24,602$25,467$30,020$30,456$30,381$31,466$35,346$33,878
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:8,97356.16%
Unemployed:1,0576.62%
Not In Labor Force:5,94737.22%
Total:15,977100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:2,43227.10%
Service:1,90421.22%
Sales and Office:1,72919.27%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:6867.65%
Production, transportation, and material moving:2,22224.76%
Total Civilian Employed Population:8,973100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $113,200, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $29,000 (34.44%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $21,800. The median gross rent is $837, which is far less than the national median ($1,348), is up $322 (62.52%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $249. Of occupied housing, owners make up 44.73% (45.80% with a mortgage, 54.20% free-and-clear) and renters 55.27% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 15.08%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$84,200$80,500$81,200$86,100$87,500$87,400$91,700$92,000$91,400$94,300$102,200$112,500$113,200
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:3366.92%
$500 to $999:2,90959.95%
$1,000 to $1,499:1,27826.34%
$1,500 to $1,999:691.42%
$2,000 to $2,499:170.35%
$2,500 to $2,999:210.43%
$3,000 or more:110.23%
No Rent:2114.35%
Total:4,852100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$515$529$557$580$559$562$562$579$588$614$668$768$837
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):1,79820.48%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):2,12824.24%
Renter Occupied:4,85255.27%
Total Occupied Housing Units:8,778100%

Occupied Housing Units:8,77884.92%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,55915.08%
Total Housing Units:10,337100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:6,64764.30%
Multi-Family Units:3,51433.99%
Other Units:1761.70%
Total Housing Units:10,337100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 21.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 81.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 13.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 46.50%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 50.10%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 20.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 3.30 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.10 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (44.62%). College enrollment is 23.26%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:7645.60%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1,81013.26%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):4,24731.12%
Some college, no degree:3,31124.26%
Associate's degree:6424.70%
Bachelor's degree:1,89913.91%
Graduate or professional degree:9767.15%
Total:13,649100%
High school or higher:11,07581.14%
Bachelor's degree or higher:2,87521.06%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:9,17942.11%
Public Insurance:9,87345.29%
No Insurance:2,74612.60%
Total:21,798100%
Has Health Insurance:19,05287.40%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty23.7%25.0%22.9%26.4%26.3%23.4%22.8%19.2%14.3%19.0%19.9%21.0%20.4%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:2275.75%
Kindergarten:2486.28%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,76344.62%
High school (grades 9-12):79420.10%
College or graduate school:91923.26%
Total:3,951100%
Early Childhood:47512.02%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):2,80570.99%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 72901 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 944 business establishments, employing about 18,066 people with an annual payroll of $937,175,000. USPS data shows 9,389 residential mailboxes and 1,528 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:9,389Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:1,528Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:10,822Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:7,565Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:1,465Source: USPS
# of Businesses:944Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$235,404,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$937,175,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:18,066Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 72901 is located in Sebastian County, Arkansas, within the Fort Smith, AR-OK Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 22900) and Arkansas's 3rd Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 228,916 people, about 9.16% of whom live in ZIP Code 72901. It covers 8.736 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.213 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Fort Smith, AR-OKSource: Census
CBSA Number:22900Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:228,916Source: Census
MSA:Fort Smith, AR-OK MSASource: Census
Land Area:8.736 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.213 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:03Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:5400.99 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:--Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:0524550Source: Census
Place Name:Fort Smith city; ArkansasSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


72902 | | 72865

Schools in ZIP Code 72901


ZIP Code 72901 is in the Fort Smith Public Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 9 public schools and 3 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Ballman Elementary School 2601 South Q St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Belle Point Alternative Center 1501 Dodson Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Carnall Elementary School 2524 S Tulsa St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
William O. Darby Middle School 616 N 14th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Fairview Elementary School 2400 S Dallas
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Howard Elementary School 1301 N 8th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Northside High School 2301 North B St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Ramsey Middle School 3201 Jenny Lind Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Tilles Elementary School 815 N 16th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Fort Smith Public Schools
Christ The King Catholic School 1918 S Greenwood Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Private School
First Umc Weekday School 320 No. 15 St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Private School
The Montessori School Of Fort Smith 3908 Jenny Lind Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72901
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 72901


Arthur's Beauty College 2000 North B Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901-3342
Type: Post Secondary
Academy Of Salon And Spa 311 S 16th St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Type: Post Secondary
Career Academy Of Hair Design - Fort Smith 1000 Phoenix Avenue
Fort Smith, AR 72901-7814
Type: Post Secondary
Vista College - Ft. Smith 1200 South Waldron Road
Ft. Smith, AR 72903-2629
Type: Post Secondary
Designer Barber & Stylist School 2409 South 56th Street, Suite 118
Ft Smith, AR 72903-3753
Type: Post Secondary
University Of Arkansas-Fort Smith 5210 Grand Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov