Fort Smith, AR Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fort Smith Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fort Smith, AR is a smaller short-term rental market with 102 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $14,567 per property. With an average daily rate of $131—well below the Arkansas state average of $192—and occupancy sitting at 29%, the market offers affordable entry points but demands careful property-level analysis to identify viable opportunities. Investors drawn to lower home values ($316,680 average) should weigh that affordability against modest per-listing revenue and a supply base that grew 77% year over year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fort Smith short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Fort Smith

Fort Smith appeals to investors seeking low acquisition costs in a growing but still-developing STR market where careful property selection can uncover pockets of above-average returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fort Smith currently presents limited investment potential, reflected in an ROI score of 32 out of 100. The combination of below-average occupancy stability and a supply/demand imbalance means market-wide returns are modest—average monthly revenue sits at just $1,213. However, pronounced seasonality creates a window of stronger performance from May through November, with October and July standing out as the highest-earning months. Investors willing to target larger properties or underserved niches may find opportunities that outperform the market average, but broad-based confidence in this market requires more favorable occupancy and demand dynamics."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fort Smith

Average revenue by month in Fort Smith

Fort Smith shows strong seasonality, with revenue peaking in October at $1,724 and bottoming out in January at $690—a spread of more than $1,000 between the best and worst months. The May-through-November stretch consistently outperforms, making this window critical for investors building annual cash flow models.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fort Smith

Supply is concentrated in 1- to 3-bedroom properties, with 27, 30, and 30 listings respectively, while 4-bedroom (8 listings) and 6+ bedroom (5 listings) units are notably scarce. The thin supply of larger homes paired with their superior revenue metrics could represent a differentiation opportunity for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fort Smith

ADR scales steadily from $84 for 1-bedroom units to $170 for 4-bedrooms, then jumps sharply to $318 for 6+ bedroom properties. That premium on the largest homes—nearly double the 4-bedroom rate—suggests strong group or event-driven demand for bigger spaces in the Fort Smith market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fort Smith

Revenue per available night climbs modestly from $23 for 1-bedrooms to $42 for 4-bedrooms, but 6+ bedroom properties stand apart at $153 RevPAN—nearly four times the next tier. This outsized gap makes larger properties the clear efficiency leaders when it comes to generating income per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fort Smith

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across most sizes, hovering between 25% and 30%, but 6+ bedroom properties break the pattern with 48% occupancy. That higher fill rate for the largest homes, combined with their premium pricing, helps explain their substantially stronger revenue performance.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fort Smith

Monthly revenue ranges from $635 for 1-bedroom listings up to $2,453 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering meaningfully more income. Three-bedroom units at $1,552 per month represent a solid middle ground, earning about 2.4 times what a 1-bedroom generates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fort Smith

Annual revenue potential ranges from $7,621 for 1-bedroom properties to $29,438 for 6+ bedroom homes, with 3-bedroom listings earning $18,631—a reasonable balance between acquisition cost and return. Investors targeting the best absolute revenue should note that the jump from 4-bedroom ($21,498) to 6+ bedroom ($29,438) represents nearly $8,000 in additional annual income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fort Smith

Parking (97%), kitchen (93%), and self check-in (87%) are near-universal among Fort Smith listings, signaling strong guest expectations for convenience and independence. Workspace (84%) and washer/dryer access (84%/81%) also dominate, while premium amenities like hot tubs (5%) and pools (3%) remain rare—potentially offering differentiation for hosts willing to invest in them.

Understanding Fort Smith's ROI Score: 32/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Fort Smith's ROI score of 32 out of 100 places it in the limited investment potential band, indicating that broad market-level returns may not meet typical investor thresholds without careful property selection. The score reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio, below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, offset partially by an above-average market growth trend. Investors considering this market should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and property-specific underwriting to identify opportunities that can outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fort Smith

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Fort Smith. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Fort Smith, Arkansas may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of Fort Smith and the state of Arkansas before operating.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Fort Smith can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of permits issued or restrict non-owner-occupied STRs, so confirming the specific rules that apply to a target property is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Arkansas are generally subject to state and local sales tax as well as any applicable tourism or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to ensure full compliance.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Fort Smith can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fort Smith's above-average market growth trend suggests continued interest from new hosts, though the rapid 77% supply increase could put downward pressure on occupancy and rates if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonal patterns point to strongest earnings between May and November, with October historically peaking near $1,724 in monthly revenue. Investors should anticipate occupancy remaining in the 27–32% range market-wide, with ADR potentially holding steady or ticking up 1–3% as operators refine pricing strategies. Given the supply/demand imbalance flagged in the data, property-specific differentiation will matter more than market-wide tailwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fort Smith, AR

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Smith?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Smith is currently 29%, which slightly edges out the Arkansas state average of 26%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 6+ bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 48%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties average around 28%. These figures reflect trailing performance and individual results will depend on factors like location, pricing, and guest experience.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fort Smith?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Fort Smith earn approximately $1,213 per month or $14,567 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $635 per month, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in roughly $2,453 monthly. Peak months like October can push individual earnings significantly higher, with average revenue reaching $1,724 that month.

Is Fort Smith a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fort Smith currently carries a limited investment potential rating with an ROI score of 32 out of 100. While the market benefits from affordable home values averaging $316,680 and an above-average growth trend, it faces challenges with below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. Investors who conduct thorough property-level diligence—especially targeting larger homes or unique listings—may still find compelling opportunities, but the market as a whole requires more cautious evaluation than higher-scoring alternatives.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Fort Smith?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fort Smith is $131, which is below the Arkansas state average of $192. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $84 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $110, 3-bedrooms at $144, 4-bedrooms at $170, and 6+ bedroom properties command $318 per night. These rates reflect current market conditions and can fluctuate based on seasonality and demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fort Smith?

Short-term rentals do operate in Fort Smith, with 102 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and operational requirements can change, so prospective hosts should verify the latest rules with the City of Fort Smith and relevant Arkansas state agencies before purchasing or listing a property. Consulting with a local real estate attorney familiar with STR regulations is also advisable.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fort Smith?

Peak season for Airbnb in Fort Smith runs from roughly May through November, based on trailing revenue data. October is the strongest month with average revenue reaching $1,724, followed by July at $1,638 and November at $1,533. The slowest months are January ($690) and April ($739), creating a meaningful seasonal spread that investors should factor into their cash flow projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fort Smith?

Fort Smith currently has 102 active Airbnb listings. The supply is distributed fairly evenly among smaller sizes, with 27 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, and 30 three-bedroom properties making up the bulk of inventory. Larger properties are less common, with only 8 four-bedroom and 5 six-plus bedroom listings. Notably, the market saw 77% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating a rapidly expanding supply base.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fort Smith?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Fort Smith are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply trends including year-over-year listing growth and amenity prevalence

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of the date indicated; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, management quality, and regulatory changes. Local short-term rental regulations vary and may change; investors should independently verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before purchasing or operating a property.