Why Move to Helena?
Helena is a city of 33,100 people in Lewis and Clark County County, sitting at 4,039 feet in elevation. Known as "The Queen City of the Rockies," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with the amenities of a mid-size city.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Helena specifically offers 242 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 6.6x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Helena
The typical home value in Helena is $459,029, with homes currently listing at a median of $517,167. Renters can expect to pay around $1,490 per month. The median household income is $69,341.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 6.6x, which is above average — plan your budget carefully.
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.
Helena Housing Market
There are currently 244 homes for sale in Helena — up 19% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 16,574 total housing units with a 6.7% vacancy rate.
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 Helena profile.
Helena Weather & Climate
Helena experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 17°F. Expect about 15" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 17°F | 0.8" | 1.9" |
| Feb | 30°F | 10°F | 1.1" | 2.6" |
| Mar | 41°F | 19°F | 1" | 2.2" |
| Apr | 51°F | 27°F | 1.7" | 2.2" |
| May | 63°F | 39°F | 2.1" | 0.9" |
| Jun | 73°F | 48°F | 2.1" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 55°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 55°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 72°F | 46°F | 1.3" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 54°F | 32°F | 1.7" | 2.4" |
| Nov | 42°F | 22°F | 0.7" | 1.2" |
| Dec | 35°F | 18°F | 0.7" | 1.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Helena
Helena has access to 242 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. For skiing, Discovery Ski Area is 62 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Broadwater Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 1 miles
- Helena-Lewis & Clark NF (National Forest) — 8 miles
- Alhambra Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 12 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 20 miles
- Boulder Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 27 miles
- Fairmont Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 47 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 48 miles
- Spa Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 54 miles
Rivers
Missouri River (Craig), Smith River, Jefferson River, Sun River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Spring Meadow Lake, Northern Pacific Reservoir, Three Mile Reservoir, Hauser Lake, Chessman Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Broadwater Hot Springs (1 mi), Alhambra Hot Springs (12 mi), Boulder Hot Springs (27 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 242 recreation sites on the full Helena profile.
Jobs & Economy in Helena
Helena has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 61.5%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (27.1%), Government (15.5%), Retail (12.1%). Approximately 16,341 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 27.1% |
| Government | 15.5% |
| Retail | 12.1% |
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
Helena is served by the Helena Public Schools school district with approximately 7,800 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 88%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,600.
Visit Helena Public Schools for enrollment information and school performance data.
Helena also has access to higher education institutions and continuing education programs.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Helena
Helena has its own hospital — St. Peter's Health (123 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 73.2 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Helena
Helena is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 85 miles (100 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 211 miles (226 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 120 miles (135 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 189 miles (204 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 83 miles (98 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Helena
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 242+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (3.1%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Discovery Ski Area (62 mi)
- Has a local hospital
- Good amenities and services
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Helena, Montana?
The typical home value is $459,029 and rent averages $1,490/month. The median household income is $69,341. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Helena?
January lows average 17°F with about 15" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Helena a good place to live?
Helena offers 242 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 6.6x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Helena?
As of early 2026, there were 244 homes for sale in Helena, up 19% from the prior year. The community has 16,574 total housing units with a 6.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Helena?
Helena has a 3.1% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 61.5%. About 16,341 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 Helena?
The Helena Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 88%, near the state average. Approximately 7,800 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,600.
What healthcare is available in Helena?
Helena has a local hospital, St. Peter's Health. The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 73.2 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Helena?
Discovery Ski Area is 62 miles from Helena. The area receives about 15" of snow annually.