Median Income
$94,952
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$344,900
22% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
233/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.4%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,255
8% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Lake Helen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,877
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density632/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$94,952
Per Capita$33,309
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$34,435M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$344,900
Rent$1,255
Ownership82.3%
Zillow$331,498
Housing Units1,123
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent233/100K
Property166/100K
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking14.4%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
Rain55.5 in/yr
Elevation54 ft (16 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.4%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score6.48
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute29 min
Broadband93.2%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Lake Helen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Helen receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Lake Helen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Helen is $94,952, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Helen is $344,900, 22% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,255 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Helen is below the national average at 233 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 166 per 100,000, 92% below the national average.
Education
24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Helen enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.5 inches.
Lake Helen has a population of 2,877 with a density of 632 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,877
Total Population
2023 Census
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Helen vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Helen vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Helen is $94,952, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,309 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,259, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 18,029 business establishments, including 1,017 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Helen vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,952 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,309 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,259 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 18,029 |
| County GDP | $34,435M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,017 |
| Healthcare | 1,605 |
| Retail | 1,669 |
| Manufacturing | 395 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,998 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Lake Helen is $344,900, 22% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $331,498. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $335,000 with homes selling in an average of 77 days. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,255 (8% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $5,998 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $344,900 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $331,498 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $335,000 |
| Median List Price | $451,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $335,000 |
| Median List Price | $451,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $210 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Days on Market | 77 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 27.3% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,255 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,123 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,998 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.74% |
In Lake Helen, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260. The dentist ratio is 1:1,570. 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Helen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:1,570 |
| Mental Health | 1:441 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,002/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,605 |
Lake Helen has a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 166 per 100,000, 92% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 49 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Helen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Helen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 233.0/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 166.4/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 49 |
| Traffic Accidents | 202 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Helen enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 54 feet.
Temperature
57°F Jan (14°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 70.3°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 54 ft (16 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (11.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 632/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.9839°N, 81.2311°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Seminole County County |
| Nearest Airport | Orlando Sanford International (SFB) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.5"
46% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
8.70"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0412 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
260 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
247 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
111 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
179 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
287 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 5 |
168 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
232 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
256 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
193 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
13 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
133 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
154 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
229 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
293 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
137 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
532 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 70 fatalities, 763 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
8 |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
35 km |
13 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
87 km |
25 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
3 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
34 km |
13 |
| Nov 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1972 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1972 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1970 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2020 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF2 |
24 km |
1 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (121,213 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
121,213 |
24 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
45,954 |
40 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
24,956 |
69 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
19,129 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
IRON HORSE |
18,234 |
38 km |
| 2001 |
STAGECOACH COMPLEX |
14,079 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
JUNIPER |
11,998 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
9,972 |
20 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
9,807 |
59 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
9,705 |
26 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
9,554 |
49 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
9,422 |
54 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
8,382 |
21 km |
| 2009 |
JUNIPER SPRINGS |
8,363 |
53 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,345 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
NORTH CANE |
7,024 |
54 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,985 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,345 |
35 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,236 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
ESPANOLA FIRE |
5,468 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
60°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
69°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
8.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
8.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
7.1 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
65°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
60°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Lake Helen has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 57°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (8.7") and November the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Lake Helen. 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 | $1,078 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Helen
What is the population of Lake Helen?
Lake Helen has a population of 2,877 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 632 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Lake Helen expensive to live in?
Lake Helen 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 $94,952, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $344,900 (22% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,255 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Helen safe?
Lake Helen is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 166 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Helen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Helen?
Lake Helen enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 57°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 55.5 inches.
How is the job market in Lake Helen?
Lake Helen has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,259. There are 18,029 business establishments in the area, including 1,017 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Helen?
The median home value in Lake Helen is $344,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $331,498. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $335,000, with homes typically selling within 77 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,255. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,998.
How are the schools in Lake Helen?
Schools in Lake Helen score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.4% of adults in Lake Helen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Helen?
The obesity rate in Lake Helen is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260.
What is transportation like in Lake Helen?
The average commute in Lake Helen is 29 minutes. 90.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Helen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Helen is 93% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 83.9% have health insurance coverage.