Helena, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Helena, Montana is 33,126 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest city in Montana. The median household income is $69,341, the median home value is $355,100, and the median age is 40.4.
The population has grown 20.1% since 2010 (28,907 → 34,729).
33,126
Population
1930
People / sq mi
$69,341
Median Income
$355,100
Median Home Value
Get Helena's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Helena covers 17.2 sq mi of land at 1930 people per square mile.
About Helena, MT
Helena is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 47.8% of the population. Helena is a city in Montana with a population of 33,126. It is the #6-largest of all cities in Montana nationally.
The typical household here earns about $69,341, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US cities at 4.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $355,100, with typical rent around $1,058.
About 50.4% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. About 15.0% of the workforce is home-based, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Helena, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Helena city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Helena city had a population of 28,907 in 2010 and 34,729 in 2024, a 20.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,729 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.33%.
34,729
Population (2024)
28,907
Population (2010)
34,729
Peak (2024)
1.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,907 |
| 2011 | 29,312 |
| 2012 | 29,647 |
| 2013 | 30,044 |
| 2014 | 30,386 |
| 2015 | 30,971 |
| 2016 | 31,444 |
| 2017 | 32,058 |
| 2018 | 32,558 |
| 2019 | 33,124 |
| 2020 | 32,255 |
| 2021 | 33,092 |
| 2022 | 33,828 |
| 2023 | 34,369 |
| 2024 | 34,729 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$69,341
Median Household Income
$46,129
Per Capita Income
4.2%
Poverty Rate
1.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$355,100
Median Home Value
$1,058
Median Rent
53.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.1%
High School+
50.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
65.4%
Public Transit
15.0%
Work From Home
13.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
47.8%
Foreign Born
96.6%
Non-English at Home
7.7%
Veterans
15.2%
With Disability
96.0%
Health Insurance
92.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.1% |
| Public Administration | 15.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.0% |
| Information | 7.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.9% |
| Construction | 4.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.5% |
| Manufacturing | 2.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.7% |
| Retail Trade | 1.6% |
Largest cities in Montana
Largest counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Helena, Montana has a population of 33,126 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest city in Montana.
The median household income in Helena, Montana is $69,341, with 4.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Helena, Montana is $355,100, with median monthly rent at $1,058 and a homeownership rate of 53.8%.
The median age in Helena, Montana is 40.4 years. The population is 47.3% male and 52.7% female.
The population has grown 20.1% since 2010 (28,907 → 34,729).
Helena city, MT Climate
Helena city, MT has an average annual temperature of 7°C (45°F) and receives about 289 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7°C
Avg Temp
289
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 14 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 10 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 16 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 22 mm |
| May | 12° / 53° | 46 mm |
| June | 16° / 62° | 47 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 33 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 32 mm |
| September | 14° / 56° | 27 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 17 mm |
| November | 0° / 33° | 12 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 13 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Helena city, MT
The most comfortable months to visit Helena city, MT are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Helena
Visiting or relocating to Helena, MT? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Helena
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Helena?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Helena, MT by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Montana
Population 118,321
Population 75,600
Population 60,412
Population 55,042
Population 34,929
Full rankings of Montana cities by population
Statewide data for Montana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Montana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.