Median Income
$77,000
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$209,200
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
220/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,661
43% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
19% lower than US avg
How St. Helena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population580
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density103/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,000
Per Capita$30,923
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty10.1%
County GDP$2,516M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$209,200
Rent$1,661
Ownership84.3%
Zillow$277,216
Housing Units197
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent220/100K
Property3,763/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking15.7%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain57.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation55 ft (17 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute25 min
Broadband93.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is St. Helena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Helena receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. St. Helena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Helena is $77,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Helena is $209,200, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,661 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in St. Helena is below the national average at 220 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,763 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
St. 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. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
St. Helena has a population of 580 with a density of 103 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (61.2%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 15% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.6% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Helena vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.6%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Helena vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Helena is $77,000, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,923 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $907, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,964 business establishments, including 127 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. Helena vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,000 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,923 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $907 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,055 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.1% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,964 |
| County GDP | $2,516M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 127 |
| Healthcare | 125 |
| Retail | 175 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,052 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in St. Helena is $209,200, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,216, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,661 (43% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 197 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $4,052 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $209,200 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,216 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,661 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.7% |
| Housing Units | 197 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,052 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.94% |
In St. Helena, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,739. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Helena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,739 |
| Mental Health | 1:612 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 125 |
St. Helena has a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,763 per 100,000, 92% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, St. Helena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: St. Helena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 219.9/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,762.5/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
St. Helena enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 301 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 57.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 55 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.0°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 103/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5166°N, 77.9174°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pender County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilmington International (ILM) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.2"
51% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
25 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
180 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
103 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
37 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
121 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
139 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
107 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
153 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
133 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
29 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
165 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
24 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
28 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
20 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
218 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
249 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
393 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,062 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
91 km |
16 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
67 km |
3 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
87 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
36 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
12 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2018 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
21 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
21 km |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
20 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,807 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
CAROLINA BAY |
3,056 |
93 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
20 km |
| 1992 |
GREAT LAKE |
2,843 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
95 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,462 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
22 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,027 |
90 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
26 km |
| 2013 |
WOODPECKER FIRE |
2,015 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP27 |
1,894 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
CRO PETTIFORD CREEK - C-29/30/31 RX |
1,878 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
CRO HUNTERS CREEK C-37 RX |
1,616 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
St. Helena has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 43°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.9") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in St. Helena. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $864 |
| Toddler | $780 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $681 |
| Toddler | $540 |
| Preschool | $513 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Helena
What is the population of St. Helena?
St. Helena has a population of 580 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 103 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is St. Helena expensive to live in?
St. Helena is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $77,000, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $209,200 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,661 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. Helena safe?
St. Helena is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,763 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, St. Helena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in St. Helena?
St. Helena enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in St. Helena?
St. Helena has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $907. There are 1,964 business establishments in the area, including 127 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Helena?
The median home value in St. Helena is $209,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,216. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,661. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,052.
How are the schools in St. Helena?
Schools in St. Helena score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.8% of adults in St. Helena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Helena?
The obesity rate in St. Helena is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,991.
What is transportation like in St. Helena?
The average commute in St. Helena is 25 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Helena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Helena is 61.2% White, 15% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 91.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.