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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 72903 has 25,225 residents and 10,997 households (average 2.23 persons per household). The median age is 40.5 years, slightly older than the state (38.8) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.7% male and 52.3% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (70.6%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (11.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 11.3%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & 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:	25,225Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:	26,318Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:	26,962Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	1,556.9 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$60,186Source: Census ACS

Households:	10,997Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$216,200Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.23Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.23Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 72903 population estimates from 2011-2023, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	25,530	25,725	25,475	26,837	26,841	26,213	25,989	26,143	24,758	25,824	25,855	25,696	26,318
Decennial Census	26,148	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	25,225	--	--	--

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: 40.5

Male Median Age: 38.1

Female Median Age: 42.9

Line chart for ZIP 72903 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	< 5	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45-49	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85+
Male	677	687	750	790	1,018	901	770	677	656	679	725	780	766	744	533	382	256	233
Female	643	624	756	800	1,109	825	714	709	744	747	834	822	918	824	713	526	402	491
Total	1,320	1,311	1,506	1,590	2,127	1,726	1,484	1,386	1,400	1,426	1,559	1,602	1,684	1,568	1,246	908	658	724

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 72903. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	17,815	69.67%
Black:	1,709	6.68%
Hispanic:*	2,838	11.10%
Asian:	1,190	4.65%
American Indian:	499	1.95%
Hawaiian:	28	0.11%
Other:	1,492	5.83%
Total:	25,571	100%

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.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 72903. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	12,024	47.67%	38.1 years
Females:	13,201	52.33%	42.9 years
Total:	25,225	100%	40.5 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 72903. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	24,832	94.35%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	191	0.73%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	482	1.83%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	813	4.92%
Total Population:	26,318	100%
Total Native Population:	25,023	95.08%
Total Foreign-born Population:	1,295	4.92%

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 $60,186, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $18,175 (43.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,480. Family households earn a median of $82,515 versus $38,604 for nonfamily households (a difference of $43,911). By gender, male median income is $51,989 and female is $44,555, which is well under the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $7,434 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 61.4%, which is above the state rate (58.3%). The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is better than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (38.4%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By 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)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 72903 from 2011-2023 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Household Income	$42,011	$42,601	$45,123	$47,154	$45,125	$44,167	$43,519	$44,690	$46,706	$50,307	$54,009	$58,498	$60,186
Median Family Income	$59,890	$62,735	$66,046	$62,982	$62,025	$60,191	$59,523	$59,040	$60,967	$62,288	$66,803	$76,914	$82,515
Median NonFamily Income	$26,618	$27,886	$28,292	$26,866	$25,556	$27,389	$25,863	$27,671	$28,422	$33,408	$36,559	$40,736	$38,604
Median Male Income	$39,805	$41,501	$44,452	$43,906	$41,685	$38,875	$37,343	$40,960	$41,603	$45,300	$48,321	$54,773	$51,989
Median Female Income	$32,913	$31,600	$32,339	$30,439	$31,069	$29,577	$30,887	$31,689	$36,514	$38,445	$38,940	$42,994	$44,555

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 72903, city of Fort Smith, Sebastian County, state of Arkansas, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 72903, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	12,670	58.77%
Unemployed:	565	2.62%
Not In Labor Force:	8,324	38.61%
Total:	21,559	100%

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)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	4,866	38.41%
Service:	1,755	13.85%
Sales and Office:	2,760	21.78%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	869	6.86%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	2,420	19.10%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	12,670	100%

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 $216,200, which is well under the national median ($303,400), is up $68,600 (46.48%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $50,800. The median gross rent is $804, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $193 (31.59%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $123. Of occupied housing, owners make up 53.62% (60.41% with a mortgage, 39.59% free-and-clear) and renters 46.38% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 6.84%, which is much lower than the state rate (14.00%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing 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)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 72903, compared with Fort Smith, Sebastian County, state of Arkansas, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

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

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 72903 across years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Home Value	$147,600	$152,800	$152,800	$154,500	$159,600	$159,300	$159,100	$164,300	$165,400	$167,600	$181,000	$214,200	$216,200

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 72903, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	236	4.52%
$500 to $999:	3,337	63.94%
$1,000 to $1,499:	976	18.70%
$1,500 to $1,999:	287	5.50%
$2,000 to $2,499:	68	1.30%
$2,500 to $2,999:	68	1.30%
$3,000 or more:	77	1.48%
No Rent:	170	3.26%
Total:	5,219	100%

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

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 72903 over the years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$611	$631	$628	$625	$626	$630	$647	$658	$681	$689	$729	$759	$804

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 72903. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	3,645	32.39%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	2,389	21.23%
Renter Occupied:	5,219	46.38%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	11,253	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	11,253	93.16%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	826	6.84%
Total Housing Units:	12,079	100%

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

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

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 72903. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	7,555	62.55%
Multi-Family Units:	4,485	37.13%
Other Units:	39	0.32%
Total Housing Units:	12,079	100%

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

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 32.80% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (25.10%). High school or higher is 90.80%, which is edges higher than the state rate (88.60%). The uninsured rate is 10.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 4.70%, which is markedly below the state rate (11.50%), down 4.50 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 8.00 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (43.13%). College enrollment is 29.55%, which is markedly above the state rate (22.60%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School 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)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 72903, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	738	4.20%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	876	4.98%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	4,495	25.57%
Some college, no degree:	4,116	23.42%
Associate's degree:	1,584	9.01%
Bachelor's degree:	3,193	18.17%
Graduate or professional degree:	2,575	14.65%
Total:	17,577	100%
High school or higher:	15,963	90.82%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	5,768	32.82%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

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

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 72903. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	16,841	57.35%
Public Insurance:	9,757	33.23%
No Insurance:	2,766	9.42%
Total:	29,364	100%
Has Health Insurance:	26,598	90.58%

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)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 72903 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2023. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% of People in Poverty	9.2%	8.2%	9.6%	10.5%	14.1%	17.0%	17.7%	15.9%	12.7%	6.9%	5.3%	4.6%	4.7%

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)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	301	4.71%
Kindergarten:	330	5.17%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	2,754	43.13%
High school (grades 9-12):	1,113	17.43%
College or graduate school:	1,887	29.55%
Total:	6,385	100%
Early Childhood:	631	9.88%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	4,197	65.73%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Fort Smith, Arkansas
County:	Sebastian County
Timezone:	Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:	9:38:42 AM
Population:	25,225 [See All]
Area Code:	479
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	35.3538, -94.3563
Land Area:	16.202 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/72903/zip-code-72903.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	12,091Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	1,316Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	13,299Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	8,465Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	2,790Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	1,043Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$201,058,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$829,756,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	17,571Source: CBP

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:	16.202 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	1.099 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

ZIP Code 72903 in Fort Smith, AR

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

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

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

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

Average Household Income

Employment Status

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

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

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

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

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

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

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 72903

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 72903

Sources & References