Helena, OK
Population 1,487 · Oklahoma
About Helena, OK
Helena is a small town located in Oklahoma with a population of 1,487 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,286 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Helena features a median home value of $80,500, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Helena one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $568, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 174 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (99 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (33 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Helena shows an unemployment rate of 10.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Helena have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
3.8% of Helena 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 2.8% White, 24.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Helena Ranks in Oklahoma
Cost of Living in Helena, OK
Compared to national averages, Helena has a median household income of $64,286 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,500, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $568 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Helena's income is 14% above the state average of $56,382, and home values are 33% below the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Helena, OK?
Helena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $568/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,286) 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 1,487 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Helena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Helena
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleora | 1,449 | $82,614 | $214,400 | Compare |
| Locust Grove | 1,445 | $44,853 | $103,500 | Compare |
| Luther | 1,443 | $57,500 | $205,600 | Compare |
| Minco | 1,540 | $60,114 | $129,500 | Compare |
| Panama | 1,432 | $45,489 | $121,100 | Compare |
| Kenwood | 1,431 | $65,714 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Hooker | 1,553 | $47,461 | $143,500 | Compare |
| Morris | 1,557 | $56,082 | $115,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
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, OK?
The population of Helena, OK is 1,487 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in Helena?
The median household income in Helena, OK is $64,286 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Helena?
The median home value in Helena, OK is $80,500, which is 67% below 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, OK is $568, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena?
The unemployment rate in Helena, OK is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Helena, OK a good place to live?
Helena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,487 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Helena, OK?
3.8% of residents in Helena 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 Helena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Helena, OK: median home value is $80,500 (67% below national), median rent is $568/month, and median household income is $64,286. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Helena?
The poverty rate in Helena, OK is 13.2%, 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 Helena, OK?
Helena's population is 2.8% White, 24.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.2% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 12.2% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.