Median Income
$83,929
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$197,300
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Helena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population856
Median Age55.5 yrs
Density204/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans16.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,929
Per Capita$37,863
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$10,873M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$197,300
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity41.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain61.7 in/yr
Elevation14 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+75.4%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute33 min
Broadband86.5%
Libraries7
Is Helena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Helena receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Helena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Helena is $83,929, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Helena is $197,300, 30% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Helena enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 61.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Helena has a population of 856 with a density of 204 people per square mile. The median age is 55.5 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (84.6%), with 2.2% Black.
Population
55.5yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
The median household income in Helena is $83,929, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,929 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,863 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,147 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,247 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,762 |
| County GDP | $10,873M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 293 |
| Healthcare | 307 |
| Retail | 429 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Helena is $197,300, 30% below the national average.
Home Values
| Census Median | $197,300 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Median List Price | $182,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $182,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $132 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.86% |
In Helena, 41.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.7% report depression. 35.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Helena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.0% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,607/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 307 |
Crime Rates: Helena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
Safety Score
Helena has an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 61.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 67.8°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 61.7 inches |
| 62% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 14 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 204/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4881°N, 88.5056°W |
| County FIPS | 28059 |