Helena, SC

South Carolina

Helena is a small town in South Carolina with a population of 571.

3.4 /5.0
B Good
571 Population 402/sq mi density
N/A Median Income $62,495 per capita
$132,100 Home Value
$892 Median Rent
62°F Avg Temperature
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Education
3.4 / 5.0
30.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $132,100
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 30.5%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent $892
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 44.1%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment 1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 18.6%
50% higher than US avg

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

People

Population571
Median Age49.2 yrs
Density402/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 0%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$62,495
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$2,034M
Commute14 min

Housing

Home Value$132,100
Rent$892
OwnershipN/A

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity44.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression17.8%
Heart Disease6.0%

Climate

Avg Temp62°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.6 in/yr
Elevation519 ft

Education

B
Bachelor's+30.5%
High School+77.0%
School Score4.51

Community

2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute14 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 an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Helena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Helena is $132,100, 53% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.

Education

30.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Helena enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Helena has a population of 571 with a density of 402 people per square mile. The median age is 49.2 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (99.1%).

Population

571
Total Population
402
People / sq mi
49.2yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
1.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.4%
Female 54.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Helena vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.4%
90% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Helena vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Helena is N/A. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes.

Income: Helena vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$62,495
Avg Weekly Wage$943
IRS Avg AGI$59,494

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.5%
58% below US avg
Poverty Rate18.6%
50% above US avg
Establishments (County)928
County GDP$2,034M

Business (County)

Restaurants73
Healthcare67
Retail138
Manufacturing47

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,112
11% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate2.36%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time14.0 min
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Helena is $132,100, 53% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $892 (23% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$132,100
53% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$892
23% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$928
1 Bedroom$982
2 Bedrooms$1,155
3 Bedrooms$1,450
4 Bedrooms$1,699

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied72.1%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$3,112
11% below US avg
Effective Rate2.36%
In Helena, 44.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 17.8% report depression. 32.9% are physically inactive.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity44.1%
37% above US avg
Diabetes17.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
High Blood Pressure44.1%
Asthma10.5%
COPD6.6%
Stroke4.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking14.2%
Physical Inactivity32.9%
Depression17.8%
Mental Distress17.5%
Physical Distress13.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate76.7%
Checkup Rate81.9%
Premature Death13,000/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.1/10
Exercise Access64.5%
Healthcare Facilities67

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

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)10

Safety Score

Helena has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Temperature

43°F Jan (6°C) 81°F Jul (27°C)
Annual Average61.8°F
14% above US avg
January Average43°F (6°C)
July Average81°F (27°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall46.6 inches
23% above US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median43.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation519 ft (158 m)
Area1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²)
Population Density402/sq mi
Coordinates34.2807°N, 81.6445°W
County FIPS45071
It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent. 30.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (9% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 34.3-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 66.6%
D 32.2%

Winner: Republican by 34.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+30.5%
9% below US avg
High School+77.0%
School Test Score4.51
B Education Grade (3.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 6Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent
Population Density402/sq mi
Total Area1.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities67
Restaurants73
Retail Stores138

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)10

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute14.0 min
Work from Home0.0%

Nearby Cities

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