Living in Helena, Alabama
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Helena · Census data 2020–2024
Helena has 21,769 residents with a median age of 37.8. The median household income is $115,139 (80% higher than the Alabama median), the median home value is $330,700, the median rent is $1,574/month.
Helena at a glance
- Population
- 21,769
- Median age
- 37.8State: 39.3
- Median household income
- $115,139State: $63,999
- Median home value
- $330,700State: $209,900
- Median rent
- $1,574/moState: $1,007
- Homeowners
- 91.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 51.4%
- Average commute
- 31 min
Is Helena a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 80% higher than the Alabama median; unemployment of 2%; a poverty rate of 3.2%.
Cons: Home values 58% higher than the state median; an average commute of 31 minutes.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Helena
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Helena the median home value is $330,700, about the same as the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,574 per month, which is 44.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,803 a month in housing costs.
Helena median household income
The median household income in Helena is $115,139 and the income per person is $52,640. 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line (Alabama: 15.6%).
Housing in Helena: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 8,092
- Owner-occupied
- 91.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 8.9%
- Vacant
- 5.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 2001
- Average household size
- 2.85
Helena demographics
- Population
- 21,769
- Median age
- 37.8
- Under 18
- 27.6%
- 65 and older
- 12.6%
- Households
- 7,613
- Foreign-born
- 5%
- Veterans
- 6.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Helena ›
Education in Helena
51.4% of adults 25 and older in Helena have a bachelor's degree or higher (Alabama: 28.4%), and 16.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Helena
- Unemployment rate
- 2%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 31 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 19.5%
- Drive alone
- 73%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.4%
- Homes with broadband
- 96.6%
Helena vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | 21,769 | $115,139 | $330,700 | $1,574 |
| Brantleyville | 845 | $47,917 | $33,000 | $1,102 |
| Alabaster | 33,917 | $91,357 | $261,700 | $1,372 |
| Hoover | 92,642 | $109,253 | $412,200 | $1,457 |
| Bessemer | 25,400 | $39,613 | $135,900 | $961 |
| McCalla | 13,253 | $87,468 | $279,900 | $1,777 |
| Pelham | 24,827 | $101,094 | $299,800 | $1,577 |
| Indian Springs Village | 2,537 | $136,836 | $555,800 | $2,264 |
| Lipscomb | 2,214 | $41,875 | $90,400 | $1,044 |
More for people moving to Helena
Helena ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Helena: FAQ
What is the median household income in Helena, AL?
The median household income in Helena is $115,139, 80% higher than the Alabama median of $63,999 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Helena?
The median home value in Helena is $330,700, compared with $209,900 in Alabama.
How much is rent in Helena?
The median gross rent in Helena is $1,574 per month, about 44.7% of household income.
Is Helena, AL a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 80% higher than the Alabama median; unemployment of 2%; a poverty rate of 3.2%. Minuses: home values 58% higher than the state median; an average commute of 31 minutes.
What is the median age in Helena?
The median age in Helena is 37.8 years (Alabama: 39.3).
How long is the commute in Helena?
The average commute to work in Helena is 31 minutes; 19.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena?
The unemployment rate in Helena is 2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Helena?
51.4% of adults in Helena have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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