Helena

Helena, Montana Overview

With a composite score of 58.4/100 and a B+ grade, Helena ranks #7 of 20 cities in Montana. Its strongest showing is in Outdoor Access (72/100), while Safety (42/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Helena

The median household income in Helena is $69,341, 4% below the statewide median of $72,340. The local unemployment rate of 2.8% is lower than the state’s 3.7%. Population grew 1% recently.

Safety in Helena

With a violent crime rate of 682.1 per 100,000, Helena exceeds the Montana average of 377. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3025 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Helena

The median home value is $355,100. Median monthly rent is $1,058. Renters spend 18.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Helena

The adult obesity rate in Helena is 29.9% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 8.6%. Residents report an average of 16.7 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Montana ranks #20 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Helena

Helena has a high school graduation rate of 86%. The student-teacher ratio is 16.1:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,524. The city has 15 public schools serving 7,627 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Helena

The annual average temperature in Helena is 46.6°F. Summers average 69.7°F. Winters average 25.6°F. Annual precipitation is 17.7 inches. The average commute of 11.6 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions