Helena West Side, MT
Population 1,584 · Montana
About Helena West Side, MT
Helena West Side is a small town located in Montana with a population of 1,584 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,692 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Helena West Side features a median home value of $411,800, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. This places Helena West Side in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $781, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 633 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (503 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (103 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Helena West Side shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Helena West Side have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.3% of Helena West Side 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 0.0% White, 10.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Helena West Side, MT
Compared to national averages, Helena West Side has a median household income of $67,692 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $411,800, which is 68% above the national median. Monthly rent at $781 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Helena West Side's income is 3% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 43% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Helena West Side, MT?
Helena West Side offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $781/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 48.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,692) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $411,800. However, Helena West Side’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Helena West Side has a population of 1,584 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Helena West Side with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Helena West Side
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson Falls | 1,568 | $53,203 | $182,200 | Compare |
| Frenchtown | 1,629 | $90,767 | $391,600 | Compare |
| Baker | 1,535 | $78,971 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Big Timber | 1,530 | $63,514 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Sun Prairie | 1,514 | $61,004 | $156,800 | Compare |
| Plentywood | 1,677 | $62,163 | $148,800 | Compare |
| Forsyth | 1,682 | $58,375 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Fort Benton | 1,470 | $67,171 | $201,900 | 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 West Side With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Helena West Side
What is the population of Helena West Side, MT?
The population of Helena West Side, MT is 1,584 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Montana.
What is the median household income in Helena West Side?
The median household income in Helena West Side, MT is $67,692 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Helena West Side?
The median home value in Helena West Side, MT is $411,800, which is 68% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Helena West Side?
The median monthly rent in Helena West Side, MT is $781, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena West Side?
The unemployment rate in Helena West Side, MT is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Helena West Side, MT a good place to live?
Helena West Side offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,584 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Helena West Side, MT?
48.3% of residents in Helena West Side 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 West Side?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Helena West Side, MT: median home value is $411,800 (68% above national), median rent is $781/month, and median household income is $67,692. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Helena West Side?
The poverty rate in Helena West Side, MT is 4.0%, 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 West Side, MT?
Helena West Side's population is 0.0% White, 10.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.