East Helena city, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, East Helena city, Montana has a total population of 1,855, the 61st largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $53,611, which is 23% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 17.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 10.2% is notably above the national average.
East Helena city Quick Facts
How East Helena city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 28 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
East Helena city Rankings in Montana
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Cities Similar to East Helena city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Browning CDP | 1,852 | N/A | N/A | 7.1% | 51.5% |
| Malta city | 1,902 | $59,449 | $139,000 | 27.5% | 10.9% |
| Choteau city | 1,719 | $53,929 | $194,900 | 25.4% | 9.2% |
| Roundup city | 1,964 | $57,632 | $118,300 | 13.4% | 14.5% |
| West Glendive CDP | 1,968 | $57,743 | $179,700 | 19.9% | 7.8% |
Population Overview
East Helena city is a small community located in Montana. The total population is 1,855. It ranks as the 61st most populous out of 470 cities and towns in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in East Helena city is 35.9 years. This is 11% lower than the state median of 40.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in East Helena city is $53,611. This is 23% lower than the state median of $69,922. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.7%. This is 47% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 10.2%. This is 170% higher than the state rate of 3.8%. The median home value is $254,400. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $338,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x. 63.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 69.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
East Helena city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (7.5% vs 4.4%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (1.5% vs 0.8%).
Education
21.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% lower than the state rate of 34.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for East Helena city, Montana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Montana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 470 Census-designated places in Montana. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of East Helena city, Montana?
East Helena city, Montana has a population of 1,855 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in East Helena city, MT?
The median household income in East Helena city is $53,611, which is 32% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in East Helena city, MT?
The poverty rate in East Helena city is 17.7%. This means approximately 328 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of East Helena city, Montana?
East Helena city's population is 87.3% White, 0.0% Black, 7.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in East Helena city, MT?
The median home value in East Helena city is $254,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
How educated is East Helena city, Montana?
21.9% of adults (25+) in East Helena city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.