Helena, Montana is a medium-sized city with a population of 30,102 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Helena could be considered less diverse than other cities. Helena has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 73% of the population is classified as married and 68% have kids.
Living in Helena can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Montana, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Helena and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Montana and national averages.
Helena, MT receives 81 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #5 in Montana and #1,115 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Helena ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Helena also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Helena has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B) and housing (A-). On a more negative note, Helena does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Helena on a regular basis. Knowing that there are an abundance of amenities and things to do can ensure that you always have access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Helena: St. Helena Cathedral, Montana State Capitol, and Montana Fishing Outfitters.
For individuals considering a relocation, job opportunities often take center stage as a crucial factor. Your chances of finding new employment in Helena is actually far better than most areas. With a low unemployment rate of 0.43%, you are likely to see an increase of job options, higher wages, improved workforce productivity and higher economic growth.
For buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Helena apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Helena meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Helena. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Helena are simply unattainable. The median home price for Helena homes is $209,500, which is 4.9% higher than the Montana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Helena, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 2.4% lower than the Montana average.
| Statistic | Helena | Montana | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.5% | 75.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.8% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.7% | 1.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.5% | 5.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.8% | 6.3% | 4.6% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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