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Population Review

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

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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%.

2024 · 35K20102024
Helena city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

34,729

Population (2024)

28,907

Population (2010)

34,729

Peak (2024)

1.33%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201028,907
201129,312
201229,647
201330,044
201430,386
201530,971
201631,444
201732,058
201832,558
201933,124
202032,255
202133,092
202233,828
202334,369
202434,729

Race & Ethnicity

White90.5%
Black or African American0.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

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 & Management27.1%
Public Administration15.5%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate10.4%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.0%
Information7.4%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.9%
Construction4.0%
Agriculture & Mining2.5%
Manufacturing2.1%
Transportation & Warehousing1.7%
Retail Trade1.6%

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).

Where to stay in Helena

Visiting or relocating to Helena, MT? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.