| Statistic | Helena | Montana | National |
| Population | 32,655 | 1,068,778 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,939 | 7 | 91 |
| Median age | 41.0 | 39.8 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 50% | 58% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 44% | 40% | 43% |
| Speak English | 96% | 96% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 2% | 1% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Helena is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Helena population is 32,655, with a population density of 1,939 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 41, and 50% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 44% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Helena, 22% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 18% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
The Helena racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Helena is 92.6% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, 1.1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 4.5% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 96.4% reported speaking English only, while 1.8% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 1.4% of residents were considered foreign born.
Helena, characterized by above-average population density, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Its compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, active transportation modes like walking and cycling and the utilization of public transit, fostering sustainable lifestyles and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the area's dense population contributes to a vibrant social and cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity fuels creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the community's social fabric. The Helena population density stands at 1,939, exceeding the national average, at 91 people per square mile, positioning it in a nice position to reap the benefits of densely populated areas.
Social Cohesion: Analyzing demographics is vital for nurturing social cohesion and fostering understanding among diverse communities. By embracing and respecting variations in Helena demographics, societies can advance inclusivity, diversity and social unity while combatting social inequalities and advocating for equal opportunities. Racial demographics mirror the diversity within a population and can be instrumental in cultivating inclusive and inviting communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social bonds, fosters cultural appreciation and enriches society by acknowledging the contributions of individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Healthcare Planning: An analysis of Helena demographics can inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Understanding demographic trends allows healthcare providers and policymakers to allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities. Leveraging demographic data, healthcare providers, and policymakers strive to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and customized healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Education Allocation: In education planning, Helena demographic data can be invaluable for identifying student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs. This data aids schools and policymakers in resource allocation and the formulation of effective educational programs. It serves as a crucial tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among different demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status and students with disabilities. Through the disaggregation of data by demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Overall, Helena demographic data can be an essential tool in education for promoting equity, facilitating student success, and nurturing inclusive learning environments that cater to the needs of all students.
| Race | Helena | Montana | National |
| White | 92.62% | 89.11% | 73.35% |
| Black | 0.49% | 0.42% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.82% | 0.73% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 1.09% | 6.57% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.08% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 3.73% | 2.59% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 1.25% | 0.50% | 4.75% |
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