Helena, MT
Population 33,126 · Montana
About Helena, MT
Helena is a mid-sized city in Montana with a population of 33,126 residents. The median household income is $69,341 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Helena is 40.4 years.
Housing in Helena has a median home value of $355,100 and median monthly rent of $1,058. Of the 16,574 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 8,322 owner-occupied and 7,149 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Helena is 3.1% and the poverty rate is 9.1%. 50.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.7 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Helena
What is the population of Helena, MT?
The population of Helena, MT is 33,126 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena, MT is $69,341 per year.
What is the median home value in Helena?
The median home value in Helena, MT is $355,100.
What is the average rent in Helena?
The median monthly rent in Helena, MT is $1,058.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena?
The unemployment rate in Helena, MT is 3.1%.