MontanaPop. 33,639Small cities
Is Helena a Good Place to Live? Helena, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Helena ranks #513 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #96 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.7 min, #5 of 208) and fast population growth (+1.3%, #33 of 182), and trails on high violent crime (582 per 100,000, #151 of 174) and expensive homes ($387,300, #161 of 208).
Helena by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Helena's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Helena?
Helena's cost of living index is 95.7, 4% below the US level of 100 and #471 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,092/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,407, 2% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Helena | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 95.7#471 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $480,407#778 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,616/mo#433 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $387,300#762 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,092/mo#321 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.4%#283 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Helena housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Helena is in the Helena, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Helena safe?
Helena recorded 582 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% above the US rate of 328 and 39% above Montana's 419. That ranks #902 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #151 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Helena Police Department. Property crime runs 2,909 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Helena | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 582#902 of 1,085 | 419 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,909#940 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Helena?
The median household in Helena earns $71,036, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Helena | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $71,036#795 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.3%#186 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Helena?
The median resident of Helena is 40.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #253 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Helena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 50.6%#253 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 52.6% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Helena's schools and health?
Helena's 12 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,483 spent per pupil. 29.9% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Helena | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,483#768 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 29.9%#388 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.7%#334 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,464 students are enrolled in Helena's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Helena?
The average commute in Helena is 13.7 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.3% of workers take transit and 16.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Helena scores 9.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #704 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67°F and winters 24.5°F, with 11.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Helena | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 13.7 min#38 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.3%#77 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 64.4% | 71.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 7.3% | 3.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.6% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 16.2% | 11.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.9#704 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.4 | 13.5 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 37.2 | 17.2 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 47.5 | 24.6 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 56.7 | 32.4 | 1 |
| May | 66.4 | 41.5 | 2 |
| Jun | 74.7 | 48.7 | 2.2 |
| Jul | 86.1 | 55.1 | 1.1 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 52.9 | 1 |
| Sep | 73.3 | 44.6 | 1 |
| Oct | 57.6 | 33.5 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 42.8 | 22.8 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 32.6 | 14.2 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Helena Airport Asos.
| Measure | Helena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 45.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 67°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 24.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 11.4 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Helena Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Helena?
Lewis and Clark County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lewis and Clark County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Helena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#471 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lewis and Clark County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lewis and Clark County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.016% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.017% | 85% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 48% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Helena compare with similar-size cities?
Helena is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #96 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,639.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 min |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #1217 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 | 20.7 min |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #122 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 | 22.7 min |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Helena compare with the rest of Montana?
Helena ranks #5 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 6% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Montana home.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Helena's score calculated?
Helena scores 57.9 out of 100, #513 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Helena. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Helena's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
48.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Helena. Similar-size median 52.2.
66.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Helena's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
54.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Helena's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
70.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Helena. Similar-size median 46.7.
54.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Helena. Similar-size median 44.2.
56.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Helena. Similar-size median 47.3.
67.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Helena's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
46.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
59.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Helena's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Helena has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Helena
Is Helena, MT a good place to live?
Helena ranks #513 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #96 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.7 min, #5 of 208) and fast population growth (+1.3%, #33 of 182), and trails on high violent crime (582 per 100,000, #151 of 174) and expensive homes ($387,300, #161 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Helena?
Helena's cost of living index is 95.7, 4% below the US level of 100 and #471 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,092/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $480,407, 2% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Helena?
Helena recorded 582 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% above the US rate of 328 and 39% above Montana's 419. That ranks #902 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #151 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Helena Police Department. Property crime runs 2,909 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Helena?
The median household in Helena earns $71,036, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Helena?
Median rent in Helena is $1,092/mo (Census), #321 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,616/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Helena?
The typical home value in Helena is $480,407, up 3% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $387,300.
How are the public schools in Helena?
Helena's 12 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,483 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Helena?
The average commute is 13.7 minutes, #38 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 2.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Helena?
Helena averages 45.5°F over the year, 67°F in summer and 24.5°F in winter, with 11.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Helena walkable?
Helena scores 9.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #704 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Helena at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lewis and Clark County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Helena?
Lewis and Clark County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Helena?
Helena has 33,639 residents. The median resident of Helena is 40.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #253 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Helena compare with the rest of Montana?
Helena ranks #5 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 6% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Helena?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Helena's population of 33,639 are Meridian, MS (#1220 overall), Leawood, KS (#22 overall), Chester, PA (#1204 overall), Gillette, WY (#379 overall), and Gadsden, AL (#1217 overall). Helena is #513.