Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $683/mo | $27,320/yr | $13.13 |
| 1 bedroom | $714/mo | $28,560/yr | $13.73 |
| 2 bedrooms | $937/mo | $37,480/yr | $18.02 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,266/mo | $50,640/yr | $24.35 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,532/mo | $61,280/yr | $29.46 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA. About 40% of comparable rentals cost less and 60% cost more, so treat these as a benchmark rather than a listing price. Income needed assumes rent and utilities take no more than 30% of gross income, the federal cost-burden line; the hourly figure assumes 2,080 working hours a year.
Rent vs wages
To afford the 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent here with 30% of a full-time income, you would need to earn about $18.02 an hour. At the state minimum wage of $11.00, that is about 66 hours of work a week. See how every metro compares.
What this means for renters
If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, your local housing authority sets its payment standards based on these FMRs; ask your agency for its exact figures. If you are budgeting a move, compare these numbers with real listings: newer or better-located units usually rent above the FMR.
Areas with similar rents nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA are $683 for studio, $714 for 1 bedroom, $937 for 2 bedrooms, $1,266 for 3 bedrooms, $1,532 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
At the Fair Market Rent of $937, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $37,480 a year, or $3,123 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code METRO22900M22900. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.