Helena, MT
Population 33,126 · Montana
About Helena, MT
Helena is a mid-sized city located in Montana with a population of 33,126 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,341 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 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 $355,100, which is 45% 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 $1,058, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,574 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (8,322 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (7,149 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Helena shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Helena have an average one-way commute time of 13.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
50.4% 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 2.8% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Helena Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Helena, MT
Compared to national averages, Helena has a median household income of $69,341 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $355,100, which is 45% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,058 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Helena's income is 5% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 23% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Helena, MT?
Helena offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,058/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, and a well-educated community where 50.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,341) that falls below the national average. However, Helena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Helena has a population of 33,126 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Helena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Helena
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butte-Silver Bow (balance), Montana | 34,929 | $57,633 | $225,100 | Compare |
| Kalispell | 26,830 | $61,590 | $381,400 | Compare |
| Belgrade | 11,425 | $88,896 | $469,600 | Compare |
| Bozeman | 55,042 | $79,903 | $614,900 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Southeast | 9,533 | $63,824 | $308,000 | Compare |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana | 9,512 | $49,533 | $209,700 | Compare |
| Havre | 9,333 | $58,000 | $197,600 | Compare |
| Evergreen | 8,908 | $73,015 | $271,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
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, MT?
The population of Helena, MT is 33,126 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Montana.
What is the median household income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena, MT is $69,341 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Helena?
The median home value in Helena, MT is $355,100, which is 45% 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, MT is $1,058, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena?
The unemployment rate in Helena, MT is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live?
Helena offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 33,126 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Helena, MT?
50.4% 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, MT: median home value is $355,100 (45% above national), median rent is $1,058/month, and median household income is $69,341. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Helena?
The poverty rate in Helena, MT is 9.1%, 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, MT?
Helena's population is 2.8% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.