Helena, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Helena, Alabama is 21,452 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $109,590, the median home value is $292,700, and the median age is 37.5.
The population has grown 30.5% since 2010 (17,011 → 22,200).
21,452
Population
961
People / sq mi
$109,590
Median Income
$292,700
Median Home Value
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Helena covers 22.3 sq mi of land at 961 people per square mile.
About Helena, AL
Homeownership is the standout figure in Helena: 91.1% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 21,452 residents, Helena is a city in Alabama. It ranks #31 among cities in Alabama by population.
Households take in a median $109,590, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US cities at 3.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $292,700, with typical rent around $1,420.
College attainment is above the local norm at 48.2%, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 16.6%, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Helena, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Helena city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Helena city had a population of 17,011 in 2010 and 22,200 in 2024, a 30.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,200 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.93%.
22,200
Population (2024)
17,011
Population (2010)
22,200
Peak (2024)
1.93%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,011 |
| 2011 | 17,118 |
| 2012 | 17,270 |
| 2013 | 17,482 |
| 2014 | 17,824 |
| 2015 | 18,231 |
| 2016 | 18,683 |
| 2017 | 19,104 |
| 2018 | 19,571 |
| 2019 | 19,925 |
| 2020 | 21,096 |
| 2021 | 21,584 |
| 2022 | 21,910 |
| 2023 | 22,176 |
| 2024 | 22,200 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.9% |
| Black or African American | 17.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$109,590
Median Household Income
$49,717
Per Capita Income
3.4%
Poverty Rate
1.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$292,700
Median Home Value
$1,420
Median Rent
91.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
97.1%
High School+
48.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
75.3%
Public Transit
16.6%
Work From Home
30.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
32.3%
Foreign Born
94.6%
Non-English at Home
6.8%
Veterans
8.5%
With Disability
93.9%
Health Insurance
98.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.7% |
| Information | 14.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.2% |
| Construction | 6.1% |
| Manufacturing | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.5% |
| Public Administration | 4.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.7% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Helena, Alabama has a population of 21,452 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Helena, Alabama is $109,590, with 3.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Helena, Alabama is $292,700, with median monthly rent at $1,420 and a homeownership rate of 91.1%.
The median age in Helena, Alabama is 37.5 years. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The population has grown 30.5% since 2010 (17,011 → 22,200).
Where to stay in Helena
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.