Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Helena is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 19,288 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (73% White). Given that fact, Helena could be considered less diverse than other cities. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Helena offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Helena, Alabama could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Helena and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alabama and national averages.
Helena has a livability score of 69 out of 100 and is ranked #45 in Alabama and #7,878 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Helena has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), education (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Helena. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Helena, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 71 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Helena, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.2% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Helena is real estate affordability. The median home price for Helena homes is $356,884, which is 51.5% higher than the Alabama 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 2.6, which is 27.8% lower than the Alabama average.
| Statistic | Helena | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.9% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.7% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.3% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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