Median Income
$51,296
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,800
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$606
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.6%
74% higher than US avg
How McRae-Helena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,959
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density925/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 44%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,296
Per Capita$14,314
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty21.6%
County GDP$160M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,800
Rent$606
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity43.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression17.5%
Heart Disease8.0%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI44 (Good)
Rain47.0 in/yr
Elevation249 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+75.0%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute20 min
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is McRae-Helena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McRae-Helena receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. McRae-Helena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McRae-Helena is $51,296, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. The poverty rate of 21.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McRae-Helena is $111,800, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $606 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
McRae-Helena enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
McRae-Helena has a population of 5,959 with a density of 925 people per square mile. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (43.8%), with 37.5% Black.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
McRae-Helena vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 86.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Spanish | 13.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
McRae-Helena vs U.S. Average
The median household income in McRae-Helena is $51,296, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income: McRae-Helena vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,296 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,314 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,411 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.6% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 83 |
| County GDP | $160M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,750 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in McRae-Helena is $111,800, 60% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $606 (48% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,800 |
| 60% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $606 |
| 48% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,750 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.57% |
In McRae-Helena, 43.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 17.5% report depression. 39.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: McRae-Helena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.5% |
| Heart Disease | 8.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.0% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.5% |
| Depression | 17.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,896/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.2% |
Crime Rates: McRae-Helena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
Safety Score
McRae-Helena has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 47.0 inches |
| 24% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 249 ft (76 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 925/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0636°N, 82.8969°W |
| County FIPS | 13309 |