Why Move to East Helena?
East Helena is a small town of 2,264 people in Lewis and Clark County County, sitting at 3,888 feet in elevation. Known as "The Prickly Pear Gateway," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with authentic small-town charm.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. East Helena specifically offers 222 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 7.9x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in East Helena
The typical home value in East Helena is $423,963, with homes currently listing at a median of $472,450. Renters can expect to pay around $1,020 per month. The median household income is $53,611.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 7.9x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
East Helena Housing Market
There are currently 39 homes for sale in East Helena — down 7.1% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 903 total housing units with a 1.7% vacancy rate — a tight market where buyers should be prepared to act quickly.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). Vacancy & housing units from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Market conditions change — verify current listings before making decisions.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full East Helena profile.
East Helena Weather & Climate
East Helena experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 86°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 13" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 20°F | 0.7" | 1.6" |
| Feb | 30°F | 12°F | 1.1" | 2.6" |
| Mar | 42°F | 22°F | 0.9" | 1.9" |
| Apr | 53°F | 30°F | 1.4" | 1.6" |
| May | 65°F | 42°F | 1.9" | 0.6" |
| Jun | 75°F | 51°F | 2" | 0" |
| Jul | 86°F | 58°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 58°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 50°F | 1.3" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 55°F | 36°F | 1.6" | 1.9" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 0.6" | 1.1" |
| Dec | 35°F | 21°F | 0.7" | 1.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near East Helena
East Helena has access to 222 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 59 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Broadwater Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 5 miles
- Helena-Lewis & Clark NF (National Forest) — 9 miles
- Alhambra Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 13 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 18 miles
- Boulder Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 28 miles
- Spa Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 48 miles
- Fairmont Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 52 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 53 miles
Rivers
Missouri River (Craig), Smith River, Jefferson River, Sun River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Northern Pacific Reservoir, Spadefoot Reservoir, Hauser Lake, Spring Meadow Lake, Canyon Ferry Lake.
Hot Springs
Broadwater Hot Springs (5 mi), Alhambra Hot Springs (13 mi), Boulder Hot Springs (28 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 222 recreation sites on the full East Helena profile.
Jobs & Economy in East Helena
East Helena has an unemployment rate of 10.2%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 72.9%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (36.9%), Tourism & Hospitality (11.5%), Construction (8.8%). Approximately 964 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 36.9% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 11.5% |
| Construction | 8.8% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it attractive for both workers and retirees.
Employment and industry data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Current conditions may differ.
Schools & Education
East Helena is served by the East Helena Public Schools school district with approximately 1,200 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 89%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%.
Visit East Helena Public Schools for enrollment information and school performance data.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in East Helena
The nearest hospital is St. Peter's Health in Helena, 5.9 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 70.8 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to East Helena
East Helena is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 80 miles (95 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 204 miles (219 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 127 miles (142 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 194 miles (209 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 80 miles (95 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in East Helena
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 222+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (59 mi)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Higher unemployment (10.2%)
- Limited shopping and dining options
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in East Helena, Montana?
The typical home value is $423,963 and rent averages $1,020/month. The median household income is $53,611. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in East Helena?
January lows average 20°F with about 13" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is East Helena a good place to live?
East Helena offers 222 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 7.9x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in East Helena?
As of early 2026, there were 39 homes for sale in East Helena, down 7.1% from the prior year. The community has 903 total housing units with a 1.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in East Helena?
East Helena has a 10.2% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 72.9%. About 964 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is education & healthcare. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in East Helena?
The East Helena Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 89%, near the state average. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in East Helena?
The nearest hospital is St. Peter's Health in Helena (5.9 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 70.8 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to East Helena?
Showdown Montana is 59 miles from East Helena. The area receives about 13" of snow annually.