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Is Helena Valley Southeast a Good Place to Live? Helena Valley Southeast, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Helena Valley Southeast ranks #984 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Montana. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Helena Valley Southeast by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Helena Valley Southeast's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Helena Valley Southeast: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Helena Valley Southeast safe?
What is the cost of living in Helena Valley Southeast?
Helena Valley Southeast'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 $1,106/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $331,500.
| Measure | Helena Valley Southeast | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 95.7#471 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $331,500#608 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,106/mo#336 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.9%#231 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Is Helena Valley Southeast safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Helena Valley Southeast alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Helena Valley Southeast crime rate or rank it on safety. Montana as a whole records 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Helena Valley Southeast?
The median household in Helena Valley Southeast earns $74,075, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Montana ($75,340). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Helena Valley Southeast | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $74,075#726 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 8.3%#352 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Helena Valley Southeast?
The median resident of Helena Valley Southeast is 41.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 85% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Helena Valley Southeast | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 25.4%#962 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 85% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Helena Valley Southeast's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Helena Valley Southeast to describe its public schools. 34.1% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Helena Valley Southeast | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 34.1%#709 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.4%#575 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Helena Valley Southeast?
The average commute in Helena Valley Southeast is 20.2 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0% of workers take transit and 13.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Helena Valley Southeast scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 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 Valley Southeast | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 67.5% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.4% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 13.3% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.4#1184 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Valley Southeast | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 24.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 11.4 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Valley Southeast?
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 Valley Southeast | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Valley Southeast compare with similar-size cities?
Helena Valley Southeast is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #175 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,108.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #984 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data | 20.2 min |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #282 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Bridgeport, WVPop. 9,252 | #269 | 62.8 | $100,022 | $1,105/mo | 74 | 18.9 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Old Orchard Beach, MEPop. 9,244 | #295 | 62.2 | $60,050 | $1,246/mo | 157 | 22 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
| Milford, NHPop. 8,956 | #343 | 61.1 | $78,684 | $1,557/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #805 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
| Meadow Lakes, AKPop. 8,689 | #1212 | 44.6 | $81,699 | $1,377/mo | no data | 38.7 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 Valley Southeast compare with the rest of Montana?
Helena Valley Southeast ranks #15 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 2% below the Montana median.
| 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 Valley Southeast's score calculated?
Helena Valley Southeast scores 50.4 out of 100, #984 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Helena Valley Southeast. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
34.0 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Helena Valley Southeast. Similar-size median 56.5.
53.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Helena Valley Southeast's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
72.8 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Helena Valley Southeast. Similar-size median 50.8.
57.2 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Helena Valley Southeast. Similar-size median 48.3.
52.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Helena Valley Southeast's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
59.3 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Helena Valley Southeast alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Helena Valley Southeast.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Helena Valley Southeast.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Helena Valley Southeast's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Helena Valley Southeast 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 Valley Southeast
Is Helena Valley Southeast, MT a good place to live?
Helena Valley Southeast ranks #984 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Montana. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Helena Valley Southeast?
Helena Valley Southeast'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 $1,106/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $331,500.
Is Helena Valley Southeast safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Helena Valley Southeast alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Helena Valley Southeast crime rate or rank it on safety. Montana as a whole records 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Helena Valley Southeast?
The median household in Helena Valley Southeast earns $74,075, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Montana ($75,340). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Helena Valley Southeast?
Median rent in Helena Valley Southeast is $1,106/mo (Census), #336 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Helena Valley Southeast?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Helena Valley Southeast is $331,500, #608 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Helena Valley Southeast?
We have too few school records for Helena Valley Southeast to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Helena Valley Southeast?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Helena Valley Southeast?
Helena Valley Southeast 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 Valley Southeast walkable?
Helena Valley Southeast scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Valley Southeast 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 Valley Southeast?
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 Valley Southeast?
Helena Valley Southeast has 9,108 residents. The median resident of Helena Valley Southeast is 41.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 85% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Helena Valley Southeast compare with the rest of Montana?
Helena Valley Southeast ranks #15 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 2% below the Montana median.
What cities are similar in size to Helena Valley Southeast?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Helena Valley Southeast's population of 9,108 are Wakefield-Peace Dale, RI (#282 overall), Bridgeport, WV (#269 overall), Bennington, VT (#603 overall), Old Orchard Beach, ME (#295 overall), and Gretna, NE (#173 overall). Helena Valley Southeast is #984.