Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
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.
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.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Helena is a mid-sized city located in the state of Montana. The city has a population of 33,820 residents. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Helena residents are White, 1% Asian and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the Helena population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Helena. With an average one way commute time of only 13 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Helena could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Montana if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Helena and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, education, employment, 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 #6 in Montana and #1,329 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Helena could be a great choice! Helena has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Helena ranks very well for cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B-) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Helena does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're considering living in Helena, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Helena provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Helena: St. Helena Cathedral, Montana State Capitol, and Montana Fishing Outfitters.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Helena, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Helena is actually affordable. The median home price for Helena homes is $473,868, which is 30.1% 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 5.3, which is 3.9% higher 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% |
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