Median Income
$185,153
146% higher than US avg
Home Value
$228,400
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
223/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Helix Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population415
Median Age41.4 yrs
Density3,192/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans28.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$185,153
Per Capita$35,718
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$4,552M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$228,400
Ownership91.2%
Zillow$277,656
Housing Units171
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent223/100K
Property2,770/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking13.2%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain17.2 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation1,756 ft (535 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score4.80
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 30%
Commute33 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries12
Is Helix a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Helix receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Helix offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Helix is $185,153, which is significantly higher than the national average / 146% above $75,149. This places Helix among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.6% 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 Helix is $228,400, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Helix is below the national average at 223 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,770 per 100,000, 41% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Helix experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.2 inches, including 14.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Helix has a population of 415 with a density of 3,192 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 41.4 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59% female and 41% male. The city is predominantly White (64.8%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 28.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.4yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Helix is $185,153, which is 146% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,718. The average weekly wage is $1,069, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,534 business establishments, including 174 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 41.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $185,153 |
| 146% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,718 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,069 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,429 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,534 |
| County GDP | $4,552M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 174 |
| Healthcare | 178 |
| Retail | 235 |
| Manufacturing | 63 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,015 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 45.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 41.3% |
The median home value in Helix is $228,400, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,656, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,143 for a one-bedroom to $1,425 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 171 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,015. 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $228,400 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,656 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $233 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,051 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,143 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,425 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,963 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,318 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.8% |
| Housing Units | 171 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,015 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.76% |
In Helix, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,162. The dentist ratio is 1:1,707. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Helix vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,162 |
| Dentists | 1:1,707 |
| Mental Health | 1:205 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,639/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 178 |
Helix has a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,770 per 100,000, 41% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Helix receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Helix vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 223.5/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,769.6/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 129 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Helix experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 311 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 17.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,756 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,756 ft (535 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,192/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8506°N, 118.6591°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Umatilla County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eastern Oregon Regional At Pendleton (PDT)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.2"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
2.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
168 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
31 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
31 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
6 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M4.1 |
135 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
72 km |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
10 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
132 km |
| Nov 18, 1997 |
20 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
14 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.7 |
78 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
77 km |
| Feb 1, 2000 |
7 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
18 km |
| Aug 31, 1999 |
Washington-Oregon border region |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Oct 12, 2017 |
25 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Oct 15, 2011 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Jan 13, 1994 |
11 km SW of Lind, Washington |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Nov 6, 1997 |
22 km SE of Desert Aire, Washington |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
8 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| Dec 22, 1990 |
9 km NW of Mattawa, Washington |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
30 km |
| Nov 18, 1997 |
19 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.3 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
25 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 14, 1966 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1958 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2006 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2000 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
EF0 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2020 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2011 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2004 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2002 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1995 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1987 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 24 COMMAND (162,300 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
24 COMMAND |
162,300 |
97 km |
| 1984 |
HANFORD |
122,914 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
COLUMBIA COMPLEX |
118,865 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
SCHOOL |
51,701 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
TOWER |
50,827 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
COAL PLANT |
45,801 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
GREEN RIDGE |
44,604 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
27,815 |
62 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
27,736 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
ELBOW CREEK |
23,103 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
21,130 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
WALKER CANYON |
20,764 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
EUREKA |
19,811 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
JACK CANYON MUTUAL AID |
18,287 |
53 km |
| 2023 |
HAT ROCK |
17,264 |
30 km |
| 1990 |
LOCUSTGROV |
17,187 |
50 km |
| 2020 |
KAHLOTUS |
16,738 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
16,737 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
LAKE WALLULA |
11,972 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
0.5 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
Helix has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 34°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.5 inches, with November being the wettest month (2.1") and July the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Helix. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $854 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Helix
What is the population of Helix?
Helix has a population of 415 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 3,192 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59% female and 41% male.
Is Helix expensive to live in?
Helix has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $185,153, 146% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $228,400 (19% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Helix safe?
Helix is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,770 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Helix receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Helix?
Helix has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.2 inches, with 14.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Helix?
The job market in Helix is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,069. There are 2,534 business establishments in the area, including 174 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 41.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Helix?
The median home value in Helix is $228,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,656. The homeownership rate is 91.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,015.
How are the schools in Helix?
Schools in Helix have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.8% of adults in Helix hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Helix?
The obesity rate in Helix is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,162.
What is transportation like in Helix?
The average commute in Helix is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 45.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 41.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Helix?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Helix is 64.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 28.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 81.0% have health insurance coverage.
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