Median Income
$88,125
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$544,900
93% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
83/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.9%
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.9%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.9%
93% lower than US avg
How Helena Flats Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,014
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density120/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,125
Per Capita$39,242
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty0.9%
County GDP$7,210M
Commute16 min
Housing
B
Home Value$544,900
RentN/A
Ownership85.3%
Zillow$584,580
Housing Units431
Rent Burden18.0%
Crime
F
Violent83/100K
Property2,653/100K
Health
Obesity30.9%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking12.9%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,952 ft (900 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute16 min
Broadband93.6%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Helena Flats a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Helena Flats receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Helena Flats offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Helena Flats is $88,125, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Helena Flats is $544,900, making it a premium housing market at 93% above the U.S. median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 6.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Helena Flats is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,653 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
26.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Helena Flats has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches, including 54.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Helena Flats has a population of 1,014 with a density of 120 people per square mile, spread across 8.6 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Helena Flats vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Helena Flats vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Helena Flats is $88,125, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,242. The average weekly wage is $1,122, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,994 business establishments, including 450 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Helena Flats vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,125 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,242 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,122 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,813 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.9% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,994 |
| County GDP | $7,210M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 450 |
| Healthcare | 459 |
| Retail | 491 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in Helena Flats is $544,900, 93% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $584,580. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 431 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $5,362 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $544,900 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $584,580 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.7% |
| Housing Units | 431 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.98% |
In Helena Flats, 30.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.2% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 17.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085. The dentist ratio is 1:1,434. 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Helena Flats vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.7% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,085 |
| Dentists | 1:1,434 |
| Mental Health | 1:261 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,948/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 459 |
Helena Flats has a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,653 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Helena Flats receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Helena Flats vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 82.9/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,653.4/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Helena Flats has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 2,952 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,952 ft (900 m) |
| Area | 8.6 sq mi (22.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.2786°N, 114.2363°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Flathead County County |
| Nearest Airport | Glacier Park International (FCA) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.8"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.36"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0419 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
201 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 17, 2025.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
79 km |
| Mar 4, 2000 |
35 km S of Pincher Creek, Canada |
M4.6 |
100 km |
| Mar 22, 2006 |
8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana |
M4.3 |
94 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
24 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
24 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
47 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
129 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
58 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
70 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
79 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| May 1, 1997 |
35 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
3 km WNW of Kila, Montana |
M3.8 |
25 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
95 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
7 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2008 |
EF0 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1995 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHIPPY CREEK (95,656 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
CHIPPY CREEK |
95,656 |
69 km |
| 2001 |
MOOSE |
73,210 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
ROBERT |
54,500 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
WEDGE CANYON |
51,987 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
FAMILY PEAK COMPLEX |
49,769 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
SKYLAND |
41,237 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
RED BENCH |
33,845 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
RED EAGLE |
32,563 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
BRUSH CREEK |
30,166 |
45 km |
| 2016 |
COPPER KING |
28,338 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
50 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
ELMO |
22,148 |
48 km |
| 2023 |
NIARADA |
20,686 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
SCALP |
20,309 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
BLACKFOOT LAKE COMPLEX (BLACKFOOT LAKE) |
18,274 |
23 km |
| 2015 |
THOMPSON |
18,049 |
57 km |
| 2003 |
TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (TRAPPER CREEK) |
18,028 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
STRAWBERRY |
17,781 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Helena Flats has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 24°F in January to 65°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 18.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.4") and October the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Helena Flats. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $1,008 |
| Preschool | $860 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $779 |
| Toddler | $798 |
| Preschool | $798 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Helena Flats
What is the population of Helena Flats?
Helena Flats has a population of 1,014 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 120 people per square mile, spread across 8.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Helena Flats expensive to live in?
Helena Flats is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $88,125, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $544,900 (93% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Helena Flats safe?
Helena Flats is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,653 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Helena Flats receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Helena Flats?
Helena Flats has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches, with 54.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Helena Flats?
Helena Flats has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,122. There are 6,994 business establishments in the area, including 450 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Helena Flats?
The median home value in Helena Flats is $544,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $584,580. The homeownership rate is 85.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,362.
How are the schools in Helena Flats?
Schools in Helena Flats score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.9% of adults in Helena Flats hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Helena Flats?
The obesity rate in Helena Flats is 30.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 17.7% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085.
What is transportation like in Helena Flats?
The average commute in Helena Flats is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Helena Flats?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Helena Flats is 88.5% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.