Living in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Helena-West Helena · Census data 2020–2024
Helena-West Helena has 8,935 residents with a median age of 39.3. The median household income is $36,019 (41% lower than the Arkansas median), the median home value is $73,200, the median rent is $771/month.
Helena-West Helena at a glance
- Population
- 8,935
- Median age
- 39.3State: 38.5
- Median household income
- $36,019State: $60,773
- Median home value
- $73,200State: $188,000
- Median rent
- $771/moState: $947
- Homeowners
- 42%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 15.3%
- Average commute
- 20 min
Is Helena-West Helena a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 61% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 41% lower than the Arkansas median; unemployment of 17.7%; a poverty rate of 31.7%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Helena-West Helena
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Helena-West Helena the median home value is $73,200, 78% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $771 per month, which is 38.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,218 a month in housing costs.
Helena-West Helena median household income
The median household income in Helena-West Helena is $36,019 and the income per person is $18,871. 31.7% of residents live below the poverty line (Arkansas: 16%).
Housing in Helena-West Helena: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 5,022
- Owner-occupied
- 42%
- Renter-occupied
- 58%
- Vacant
- 31.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1972
- Average household size
- 2.54
31.5% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Helena-West Helena has many vacation and second homes.
Helena-West Helena demographics
- Population
- 8,935
- Median age
- 39.3
- Under 18
- 28%
- 65 and older
- 18.2%
- Households
- 3,440
- Foreign-born
- 2.2%
- Veterans
- 4.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Helena-West Helena ›
Education in Helena-West Helena
15.3% of adults 25 and older in Helena-West Helena have a bachelor's degree or higher (Arkansas: 25.7%), and 4.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Helena-West Helena
- Unemployment rate
- 17.7%State: 4.9%
- Average commute
- 20 minState: 23 min
- Work from home
- 3.6%
- Drive alone
- 69.4%
- Public transit
- 1.4%
- Walk to work
- 3.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 79.5%
Helena-West Helena vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena-West Helena | 8,935 | $36,019 | $73,200 | $771 |
| Lexa | 138 | $45,089 | $93,100 | $713 |
| Lula | 217 | $36,250 | $73,800 | $290 |
| Friars Point | 884 | $17,205 | $56,400 | $446 |
| Coahoma | 208 | $25,054 | $58,000 | $429 |
| Lake View | 357 | $27,857 | $57,000 | $485 |
| Rondo | 111 | $35,714 | $61,700 | $1,375 |
| Marvell | 1,160 | $51,875 | $58,200 | $641 |
| Jonestown | 852 | $21,750 | $61,100 | $277 |
More for people moving to Helena-West Helena
Helena-West Helena ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Helena-West Helena: FAQ
What is the median household income in Helena-West Helena, AR?
The median household income in Helena-West Helena is $36,019, 41% lower than the Arkansas median of $60,773 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Helena-West Helena?
The median home value in Helena-West Helena is $73,200, compared with $188,000 in Arkansas.
How much is rent in Helena-West Helena?
The median gross rent in Helena-West Helena is $771 per month, about 38.7% of household income.
Is Helena-West Helena, AR a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 61% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes. Minuses: median household income 41% lower than the Arkansas median; unemployment of 17.7%; a poverty rate of 31.7%.
What is the median age in Helena-West Helena?
The median age in Helena-West Helena is 39.3 years (Arkansas: 38.5).
How long is the commute in Helena-West Helena?
The average commute to work in Helena-West Helena is 20 minutes; 3.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena-West Helena?
The unemployment rate in Helena-West Helena is 17.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Helena-West Helena?
15.3% of adults in Helena-West 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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