Violent Crime
376/100K
1% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.1%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
47.9%
1231% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Helenwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population117
Median Age79.7 yrs
Density58/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans38.5%
Economy
Per Capita$25,562
Unemployment47.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$700M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$171,114
Housing Units116
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent376/100K
Property3,353/100K
Health
Obesity46.1%
Uninsured18.3%
Smoking31.0%
Depression35.9%
Heart Disease8.8%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain59.8 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,539 ft (469 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+24.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 10%
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Helenwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Helenwood receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Helenwood faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 47.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Helenwood is below the national average at 376 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,353 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Helenwood enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 59.8 inches, including 13.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Helenwood has a population of 117 with a density of 58 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 79.7 years, 105% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 38.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
79.7yrs
Median Age
105% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Helenwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Helenwood vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $25,562 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $799, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 47.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 456 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income: Helenwood vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,562 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $799 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,106 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 47.9% |
| 1231% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 456 |
| County GDP | $700M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 69 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,114. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 116 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $2,956 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 116 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
In Helenwood, 46.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.8% of residents, above the national average. 42.3% have high blood pressure. 31.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.8% report binge drinking. 39.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 35.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 26.6% experience frequent mental distress. 18.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,383. The dentist ratio is 1:2,754. 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Helenwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.1% |
| Heart Disease | 8.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.3% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 15.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 31.0% |
| 121% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.1% |
| Depression | 35.9% |
| Mental Distress | 26.6% |
| Physical Distress | 21.5% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 18.3% |
| 113% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,383 |
| Dentists | 1:2,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,705 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 37.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,103/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Helenwood has a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 residents, 1% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,353 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Helenwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Helenwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 375.5/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,353.0/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Helenwood enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 299 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 59.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,539 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,539 ft (469 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 58/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4342°N, 84.5534°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.8"
57% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
150 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
111 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
118 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
47 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
90 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
93 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
53 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
272 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 67 fatalities, 996 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
77 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
51 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
77 km |
4 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
45 km |
7 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1986 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (11,817 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,663 |
28 km |
| 2016 |
STINKING CREEK |
10,768 |
32 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
52 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
8,064 |
28 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
7,907 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
COOL SPRINGS |
7,477 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,590 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
K-T FIRE |
6,372 |
24 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,067 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,973 |
25 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,679 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,371 |
33 km |
| 1991 |
OTTER |
4,923 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
59 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,635 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,400 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
63 km |
| 1999 |
GROUNDHOG |
4,258 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,194 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Helenwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 36°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Helenwood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Helenwood
What is the population of Helenwood?
Helenwood has a population of 117 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 58 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 79.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Helenwood expensive to live in?
Helenwood is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Helenwood safe?
Helenwood is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,353 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Helenwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Helenwood?
Helenwood enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 59.8 inches, with 13.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Helenwood?
The job market in Helenwood faces challenges, with unemployment at 47.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $799. There are 456 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Helenwood?
Schools in Helenwood have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Helenwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Helenwood?
The obesity rate in Helenwood is 46.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 31.0% of adults are smokers. 39.1% are physically inactive. 35.9% of residents report depression. 18.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,383.
What are the demographics of Helenwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Helenwood is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 38.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.