Median Income
$64,286
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,500
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.8%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$568
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.8%
11% higher than US avg
How Helena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,487
Median Age47.2 yrs
Density3,627/mi²
Male / Female89% / 11%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,286
Per Capita$13,225
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty13.8%
County GDP$410M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,500
Rent$568
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$84,381
Health
Obesity41.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease8.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F
AQI45 (Good)
Rain32.1 in/yr
Elevation1,401 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.8%
High School+76.3%
School Score5.08
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute23 min
Libraries2
Is Helena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Helena receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. 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 $64,286, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 13.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Helena is $80,500, 71% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $568 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
3.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Helena enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches, including 12.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Helena has a population of 1,487 with a density of 3,627 people per square mile. The median age is 47.2 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (57%), with 24.8% Hispanic, 13% Black.
Population
47.2yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 91.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Spanish | 9.0% |
| 33% below US avg |
The median household income in Helena is $64,286, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,286 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,225 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,195 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.8% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $410M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,733 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Helena is $80,500, 71% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $568 (51% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,381.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,500 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,381 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $568 |
| 51% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,733 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Helena, 41.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.8% report depression. 32.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Helena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 8.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,651/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Crime Rates: Helena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Helena has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 32.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 58.8°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 32.1 inches |
| 15% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 12.7 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,401 ft (427 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,627/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5465°N, 98.2719°W |
| County FIPS | 40003 |