MontanaPop. 8,056Towns
Is Helena Valley West Central a Good Place to Live? Helena Valley West Central, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Helena Valley West Central ranks #714 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #119 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (7.1%, #57 of 234), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Helena Valley West Central by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Helena Valley West Central'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 West Central: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Helena Valley West Central safe?
What is the cost of living in Helena Valley West Central?
Helena Valley West Central'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 $1,327/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $367,200.
| Measure | Helena Valley West Central | 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 | $367,200#704 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,327/mo#568 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.7%#213 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 West Central safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Helena Valley West Central alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Helena Valley West Central 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 West Central?
The median household in Helena Valley West Central earns $90,082, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 20% above Montana ($75,340). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Helena Valley West Central | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $90,082#460 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 7.1%#247 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 West Central?
The median resident of Helena Valley West Central is 39.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 41.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #439 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 85.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Helena Valley West Central | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 39.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 41.1%#439 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 85.2% | 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 West Central's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Helena Valley West Central to describe its public schools. 31.6% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Helena Valley West Central | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.6%#510 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.9%#358 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 West Central?
The average commute in Helena Valley West Central is 19.6 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0% of workers take transit and 14.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Helena Valley West Central scores 6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1292 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 West Central | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19.6 min#311 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 76.3% | 71.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.2% | 3.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.8% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 14.8% | 11.7% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6#1292 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 West Central | 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 West Central?
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 West Central | 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 West Central compare with similar-size cities?
Helena Valley West Central is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #119 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,056.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #714 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Wilmington Manor, DEPop. 8,214 | #824 | 52.9 | $78,078 | $1,155/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #817 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 | 9.7 min |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 min |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #220 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #506 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 | 10.6 min |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #62 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 | 18.1 min |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #735 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 | 17.6 min |
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #1209 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 | 29 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 West Central compare with the rest of Montana?
Helena Valley West Central ranks #9 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 20% above 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 West Central's score calculated?
Helena Valley West Central scores 54.8 out of 100, #714 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 West Central. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
47.9 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Helena Valley West Central. Similar-size median 56.5.
61.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Helena Valley West Central's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
68.7 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Helena Valley West Central. Similar-size median 50.8.
66.4 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Helena Valley West Central. Similar-size median 48.3.
51.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Helena Valley West Central's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
26.3 - 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 West Central alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Helena Valley West Central.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Helena Valley West Central.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Helena Valley West Central'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 West Central 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 West Central
Is Helena Valley West Central, MT a good place to live?
Helena Valley West Central ranks #714 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #119 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (7.1%, #57 of 234), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Helena Valley West Central?
Helena Valley West Central'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 $1,327/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $367,200.
Is Helena Valley West Central safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Helena Valley West Central alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Helena Valley West Central 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 West Central?
The median household in Helena Valley West Central earns $90,082, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 20% above Montana ($75,340). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Helena Valley West Central?
Median rent in Helena Valley West Central is $1,327/mo (Census), #568 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Helena Valley West Central?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Helena Valley West Central is $367,200, #704 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Helena Valley West Central?
We have too few school records for Helena Valley West Central to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Helena Valley West Central?
The average commute is 19.6 minutes, #311 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Helena Valley West Central?
Helena Valley West Central 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 West Central walkable?
Helena Valley West Central scores 6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1292 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 West Central 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 West Central?
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 West Central?
Helena Valley West Central has 8,056 residents. The median resident of Helena Valley West Central is 39.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 41.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #439 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 85.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Helena Valley West Central compare with the rest of Montana?
Helena Valley West Central ranks #9 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 20% above the Montana median.
What cities are similar in size to Helena Valley West Central?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Helena Valley West Central's population of 8,056 are Wilmington Manor, DE (#824 overall), York, NE (#817 overall), Rawlins, WY (#766 overall), Tiverton, RI (#220 overall), and Ketchikan, AK (#506 overall). Helena Valley West Central is #714.