Fort Smith, AR, United States

Capital City

The tax burden is heavy in Fort Smith, which has a population of 89,142 as of the 2020 census. Tornadoes are a persistent headache, with the city struck by three major twisters since 1898. Despite its history as a frontier outpost and hub of the "Wild West," Fort Smith today is a regional manufacturing center, home to major plants operated by companies like Rheem, Trane, and Georgia-Pacific. This gritty, blue-collar city may appeal to those seeking an affordable cost of living and ample job opportunities, but the long, hot summers and risk of severe weather are drawbacks to consider.