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City Report · MT

Helena

Pop. 33,639·5th most expensive in Montana·Helena rents are up 13.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,663/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.2%
Month-over-Month
-1.0%
vs US Median
-$302
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Helena · $1,663
More affordable than 64% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
28% of income
AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,663/mo, rent takes about 28% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$67,000/yr
Local median income
$71,036/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Helena's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,080
1 BR
$1,250
2 BR
$1,580
3 BR
$2,080
4 BR+
$2,370
Research median
$1,580/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$19,956/yr
At $1,663/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.2% YoY, -1.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Helena, MT is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, 50.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
33,639
Median income
$71,036
Median age
40.5
Renters
47.4%
Age distribution
19.1%
23.6%
23.5%
12.1%
21.7%
Under 1819.1%
18–3423.6%
35–5423.5%
55–6412.1%
65+21.7%
Gender
47.8%
52.2%
Male47.8%
Female52.2%
Race & ethnicity
89.4%
White89.4%
Black0.9%
Hispanic4.7%
Asian0.5%
Other4.5%
Education (25+)
19.6%
24.9%
50.6%
No HS diploma4.9%
HS diploma19.6%
Some college24.9%
Bachelor's+50.6%
Housing tenure
52.6%
47.4%
Owner52.6%
Renter47.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Helena, MT has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,407 → $1,663
up 18.2%
Income
$59,712 → $71,036
up 19.0%
Population
32,060 → 33,639
up 4.9%
Renter share
44% → 47.4%
+3.4 pts
Bachelor's+
50.2% → 50.6%
+0.4 pts
Median age
39.9 → 40.5
+0.6 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Helena, MT has climbed from $1,407 to $1,663, a 18.2% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Helena, MT now reports about $71,036, up from $59,712 in 2021. The population has grown by 4.9% since 2021, moving from about 32,060 residents to roughly 33,639. Renters now make up 47.4% of households, compared with 44% five years ago. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Helena, MT reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Helena

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View Helena rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Helena on your salary?

At $1,663/mo, how Helena rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Helena rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Helena. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Helena

About renting in Helena, MT

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Helena is $1,663/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,080/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,580/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,250/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,080/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($71,036/yr), Helena ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Helena an affordable city for renters?

Helena is considered affordable for renters. At $1,663/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($71,036/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Helena falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Helena?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $67,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,663/mo in Helena. The local median household income is $71,036/yr, meaning the typical Helena household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Helena?

Rent in Helena has increased 13.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Helena rent compare to other cities in Montana?

Helena is middle-of-the-pack for Montana for rent, ranking #5 out of 11 tracked cities at $1,663/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Helena?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Helena ($1,663/mo): Butte ($1,314/mo), Great Falls ($1,367/mo).

What percentage of Helena residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 47.4% of Helena households are renters, while 52.6% are owner-occupied. Helena leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Helena rent compare to the national average?

Helena's median rent of $1,663/mo is $302 (15%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Montana, it ranks #5 out of 11 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,663/mo, rent takes ~28% of Helena's median household income ($71,036/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Helena 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.7%
Run the Helena affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Helena, MT

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