Choose Country

Helen, GA

Georgia

Helen is a small town in Georgia with a population of 470. Residents earn $83,654 per year, which is 11% above the national average.

3.6 /5.0
B+ Good
470 Population 225/sq mi density
$83,654 Median Income $48,013 per capita
$344,000 Home Value $315,936 Zillow
$842 Median Rent 23.0% income on rent
57°F Avg Temperature 302 sunny days/yr
1,512 Violent Crime/100K 14,745 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.6 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.6 / 5.0
$83,654 median income, 1.1% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.4 / 5.0
$344,000 home value, $842/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,512 violent crimes/100K (298% above avg)
A+
Education
4.5 / 5.0
44.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $83,654
11% higher than US avg
Home Value $344,000
22% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 1,512/100K
298% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 44.0%
31% higher than US avg
Median Rent $842
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.1%
51% lower than US avg

How Helen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population470
Median Age63.2 yrs
Density225/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans18.2%

Economy

A+
Median Income$83,654
Per Capita$48,013
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$1,291M
Commute24 min

Housing

A
Home Value$344,000
Rent$842
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$315,936
Housing Units598
Rent Burden23.0%

Crime

F
Violent1,512/100K
Property14,745/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault1,512/100K
Burglary3,403/100K

Health

Obesity33.3%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking12.6%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.1%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain72.7 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,815 ft (553 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+44.0%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+17.3%
School Score4.92

Community

2024 VoteR 84% / D 16%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries2

Is Helen a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Helen receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Helen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Helen is $83,654, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Helen is $344,000, 22% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

With 1,512 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 14,745 per 100,000, 652% above the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 44.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Helen enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 72.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.

Helen has a population of 470 with a density of 225 people per square mile. The median age is 63.2 years, 62% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 2.6% Hispanic.

Population

470
Total Population
225
People / sq mi
63.2yrs
Median Age
62% above US avg
2.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 59.6%
Female 40.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Helen vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish5.6%
58% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Helen vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Helen is $83,654, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.

Income: Helen vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$83,654
11% above US avg
Per Capita Income$48,013
Avg Weekly Wage$773
IRS Avg AGI$65,248

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.1%
69% below US avg
Poverty Rate6.1%
51% below US avg
Establishments (County)846
County GDP$1,291M

Business (County)

Restaurants105
Healthcare42
Retail131
Manufacturing35

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,970
13% above US avg
Effective Tax Rate1.15%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time24.0 min
Drive Alone83.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home7.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Helen is $344,000, 22% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $842 (28% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $315,936.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$344,000
22% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$315,936

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$842
28% below US avg
Rent Burden23.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$979
1 Bedroom$1,023
2 Bedrooms$1,203
3 Bedrooms$1,524
4 Bedrooms$1,775

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied68.1%
Housing Units598
Median Year Built1994

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$3,970
13% above US avg
Effective Rate1.15%
In Helen, 33.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. 12.6% are current smokers. 21.8% report depression. 21.1% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Helen vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.3%
4% above US avg
Diabetes9.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
High Blood Pressure31.5%
Asthma9.7%
COPD5.5%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke2.6%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking12.6%
10% below US avg
Binge Drinking17.7%
Physical Inactivity21.1%
Depression21.8%
Mental Distress17.2%
Physical Distress12.1%
Short Sleep34.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.3%
Uninsured9.6%
12% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.6%
Dental Visits64.3%
Premature Death11,237/100K

Food & Exercise

Exercise Access68.7%
Healthcare Facilities42
Helen has a violent crime rate of 1,512 per 100,000 residents, 298% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 14,745 per 100,000 (652% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.

Crime Rates: Helen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,512.3/100K
298% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault1,512.3/100K

Property Crime

Total Property14,744.8/100K
652% above US avg
Burglary3,402.7/100K
Theft10,964.1/100K
Vehicle Theft378.1/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)7

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Helen has an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 72.7 inches. The area enjoys 302 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.

Temperature

39°F Jan (4°C) 75°F Jul (24°C)
Annual Average57.4°F
6% above US avg
January Average39°F (4°C)
July Average75°F (24°C)
Sunny Days302 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall72.7 inches
91% above US avg
Snowfall1.5 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median44.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,815 ft (553 m)
Area2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²)
Population Density225/sq mi
Coordinates34.7084°N, 83.7276°W
TimezoneAmerica/New_York
County FIPS13311
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent. 44.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (31% above US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 68.5-point margin. 74.8% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 84%
D 15.5%

Winner: Republican by 68.5 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+44.0%
31% above US avg
High School+96.0%
Graduate Degree+17.3%
School Test Score4.92
A+ Education Grade (4.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 8Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent
Population Density225/sq mi
Total Area2.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access74.8%
EV Charging Stations4
Alt Fuel Stations4
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities42
Restaurants105
Retail Stores131

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)7
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute24.0 min
Drive Alone83.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home7.1%

Nearby Cities

Cleveland, GA 3,529 pop · 7.9 mi Clarkesville, GA 1,827 pop · 13.3 mi Demorest, GA 2,335 pop · 14.5 mi Clermont, GA 1,316 pop · 16.0 mi Hiawassee, GA 1,300 pop · 16.5 mi Young Harris, GA 1,087 pop · 17.1 mi Cornelia, GA 4,813 pop · 17.3 mi Baldwin, GA 3,728 pop · 18.0 mi Mount Airy, GA 1,475 pop · 18.3 mi Raoul, GA 2,211 pop · 18.8 mi Dahlonega, GA 7,194 pop · 18.9 mi Alto, GA 1,187 pop · 19.0 mi Lula, GA 2,903 pop · 21.8 mi Clayton, GA 2,420 pop · 21.8 mi
Compare Helen with another city: