Helena, AL
Population 21,452 · Alabama
About Helena, AL
Helena is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 21,452 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $109,590 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Helena features a median home value of $292,700, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Helena in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,420, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,980 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (6,872 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (671 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Helena shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Helena have an average one-way commute time of 30.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.2% of Helena residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Helena experiences an annual average temperature of 64.5°F with 45.97" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 41°F (December–January).
How Helena Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Helena, AL
Compared to national averages, Helena has a median household income of $109,590 (46% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $292,700, which is 20% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,420 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Helena's income is 89% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 84% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Helena, AL?
Helena offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $109,590, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and a well-educated community where 48.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.7%, better than the national average.
Helena has a population of 21,452 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Helena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Helena
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston | 21,377 | $44,806 | $141,600 | Compare |
| Oxford | 22,063 | $70,065 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Mountain Brook | 22,160 | $191,128 | $891,300 | Compare |
| Foley | 22,330 | $67,346 | $260,100 | Compare |
| Albertville | 22,584 | $57,103 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Fairhope | 23,360 | $86,509 | $406,500 | Compare |
| Prichard | 19,121 | $35,331 | $79,900 | Compare |
| Cullman | 18,894 | $63,704 | $215,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Helena
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 81 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 86 | 74 | 65 | 59 |
| Low °F | 42 | 48 | 47 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 6.8 | 6.2 | 5.5 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 5.0 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 3.0 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Helena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Helena
What is the population of Helena, AL?
The population of Helena, AL is 21,452 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena, AL is $109,590 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Helena?
The median home value in Helena, AL is $292,700, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Helena?
The median monthly rent in Helena, AL is $1,420, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena?
The unemployment rate in Helena, AL is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Helena, AL a good place to live?
Helena offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 21,452 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Helena, AL?
48.2% of residents in Helena aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Helena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Helena, AL: median home value is $292,700 (20% above national), median rent is $1,420/month, and median household income is $109,590. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Helena?
The poverty rate in Helena, AL is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Helena, AL?
Helena's population is 1.8% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 17.7% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.