St. Helen, MI
Population 2,841 · Michigan
About St. Helen, MI
St. Helen is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 2,841 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,091 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Helen features a median home value of $85,300, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. Helen one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $728, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,471 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (1,117 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (245 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Helen shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Helen have an average one-way commute time of 29.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.5% of St. Helen residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Helen, MI
Compared to national averages, St. Helen has a median household income of $42,091 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,300, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $728 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, St. Helen's income is 36% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 53% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in St. Helen, MI?
St. Helen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $728/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,091) that falls below the national average. However, St. Helen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Helen has a population of 2,841 with a median age of 54.6 years. Compare St. Helen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near St. Helen
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manistique | 2,844 | $39,761 | $83,600 | Compare |
| Norway | 2,835 | $50,025 | $87,300 | Compare |
| Ithaca | 2,831 | $62,375 | $126,600 | Compare |
| Almont | 2,830 | $81,511 | $233,100 | Compare |
| Lake Orion | 2,873 | $98,871 | $346,700 | Compare |
| Rogers City | 2,873 | $47,601 | $93,500 | Compare |
| Kincheloe | 2,875 | $53,333 | $98,100 | Compare |
| Skidway Lake | 2,800 | $34,320 | $53,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare St. Helen With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Helen
What is the population of St. Helen, MI?
The population of St. Helen, MI is 2,841 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in St. Helen?
The median household income in St. Helen, MI is $42,091 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Helen?
The median home value in St. Helen, MI is $85,300, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Helen?
The median monthly rent in St. Helen, MI is $728, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Helen?
The unemployment rate in St. Helen, MI is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Helen, MI a good place to live?
St. Helen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,841 and a median age of 54.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is St. Helen, MI?
9.5% of residents in St. Helen aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in St. Helen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Helen, MI: median home value is $85,300 (65% below national), median rent is $728/month, and median household income is $42,091. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Helen?
The poverty rate in St. Helen, MI is 25.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is St. Helen, MI?
St. Helen's population is 0.3% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.