Helena city, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Helena city, Montana has a total population of 33,126, the 6th largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $69,341, which is about average than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.1%.
Key Takeaways
- 50.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Montana.
Helena city Quick Facts
How 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+)
Helena city Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Cities Similar to Helena city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butte-Silver Bow (balance) | 34,929 | $57,633 | $225,100 | 27.7% | 16.1% |
| Kalispell city | 26,830 | $61,590 | $381,400 | 32.9% | 10.3% |
| Bozeman city | 55,042 | $79,903 | $614,900 | 65.1% | 14.8% |
| Great Falls city | 60,412 | $63,934 | $237,400 | 28.3% | 14.0% |
| Missoula city | 75,600 | $65,329 | $427,400 | 51.6% | 12.8% |
Population Overview
Helena city is a mid-sized community located in Montana. The total population is 33,126. It ranks as the 6th most populous out of 470 cities and towns in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Helena city is 40.4 years. This is about average than the state median of 40.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Helena city is $69,341. This is about average than the state median of $69,922. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%. This is 24% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 3.8%. The median home value is $355,100. Housing costs are 5% higher than the state median of $338,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x. 53.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% lower than the state average of 69.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Helena city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (0.8% vs 0.5%).
Education
50.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Helena city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 46% higher 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 96.1%. Notably, 18.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for 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 Helena city, Montana?
Helena city, Montana has a population of 33,126 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Helena city, MT?
The median household income in Helena city is $69,341, which is 12% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Helena city, MT?
The poverty rate in Helena city is 9.1%. This means approximately 2,903 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Helena city, Montana?
Helena city's population is 87.2% White, 0.8% Black, 4.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Helena city, MT?
The median home value in Helena city is $355,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x.
How educated is Helena city, Montana?
50.4% of adults (25+) in Helena city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.