Montana · Metropolitan Area
Helena is a mid-size city in Montana with a population of 33,126. Residents earn $69,341 per year, which is 8% below the national average.
Based on current data, Helena receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Helena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Helena is $69,341, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Helena is $355,100, 26% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,058 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
The violent crime rate of 528 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,799 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Helena is a highly educated community — 50.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Helena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
| English Only | 96.3% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.7% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $69,341 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $46,129 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,049 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,082 |
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 495 |
| County GDP | $393M |
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,091 |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.15% |
| Commute Time | 13.7 min |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |
| Census Median | $355,100 |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $466,393 |
| Median List Price | $427,450 |
| Median List Price | $427,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $255 |
| Homes Sold | 20 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 15.2% |
| Inventory | 92 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,058 |
| 9% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,489 |
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,091 |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.15% |
| Obesity | 30.4% |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.6% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,802/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
| Total Violent | 527.9/100K |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Murder | 3.3/100K |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Rape | 120.3/100K |
| Robbery | 26.7/100K |
| Assault | 377.6/100K |
| Total Property | 3,799.1/100K |
| 94% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 517.9/100K |
| Theft | 3,117.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 163.7/100K |
| Arson | 26.7/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 40.3°F |
| 25% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 16.5 inches |
| 57% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 3,993 ft (1,217 m) |
| Area | 17.2 sq mi (44.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,929/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5955°N, 112.0187°W |
| County FIPS | 30043 |
Winner: Republican by 36.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 50.4% |
| 50% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 96.1% |
| School Test Score | 5.68 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 1,929/sq mi |
| Total Area | 17.2 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 12 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 15 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Retail Stores | 25 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 13.7 min |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |