East Helena, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,702
-8.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,417/yr
12.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
853
-5.5% year-over-year change

East Helena population

How many people live in East Helena

East Helena is home to 1,702 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.1% of East Helena locals are male, and 46.9% are female.

Total population
1,702
-8.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.1%
904
Female
46.9%
798
Value Percent YoY change
Male 904 53.1% -4.0%
Female 798 46.9% -12.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in East Helena is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.4% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
32.4%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 261 15.3% -30.9%
15 to 24 219 12.9% 29.6%
25 to 44 552 32.4% -1.8%
45 to 64 421 24.7% -16.5%
Over 65 249 14.6% 2.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In East Helena, 99.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,697 99.7% -8.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3 0.2% -25.0%
Non-citizens 2 0.1% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
94.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,607 94.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.8%
Asian 18 1.1%
Two or more races 64 3.8%

Households in East Helena

A peek inside East Helena households

East Helena has 853 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.6% are families, while the remaining 48.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
853
-3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
413
Family households
440
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 413 48.4% -5.7%
Family households 440 51.6% -2.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in East Helena

The housing landscape of East Helena

East Helena's housing consists of 853 units, with 74.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
853
-5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 639 74.9%
2 units 16 1.9%
3 or 4 units 198 23.2%
Homes built since 2020
92
283.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Helena

In East Helena, the median construction year is 1971. About 29.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 10.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 250 29.3% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 53 6.2% -27.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 97 11.4% 6.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10 1.2% -77.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 169 19.8% -3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15 1.8% -65.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 20 2.3% -47.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 103 12.1% -16.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 44 5.2% 18.9%
Built in 2020 or later 92 10.8% 283.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

East Helena occupancy rates

Out of the 853 occupied housing units in East Helena, 66.5% are owner-occupied, while 33.5% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
853
-3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
286
Owner occupied
567
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 286 33.5% -12.8%
Owner occupied 567 66.5% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

East Helena housing costs

Housing costs in East Helena come to a median of $1,160 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,090.

Median housing costs per month
$1,160/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in East Helena
$1,090/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in East Helena

East Helena education at a glance

About 24.6% of the population in East Helena went to high school, while 39% pursued college studies. Another 12.2% earned an associate degree and 13.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 35 2.5% -5.4%
High school diploma 347 24.6% -18.4%
College diploma 551 39% -6.0%
Associate degree 173 12.2% 38.4%
Bachelor's degree 196 13.9% -23.1%
Graduate degree 111 7.9% 152.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in East Helena

How much people earn in East Helena

The average annual household income in East Helena was $76,992 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +14.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,417, reflecting a +12.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Helena
$76,992/year
14.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Helena
$60,417/year
12.7% year-over-year change

East Helena income by age

In East Helena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $145,162. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,536 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,875, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,438 in earnings. Overall, 84.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,875 2.0%
25 - 44 $145,162 N/A
45 - 64 $92,536 71.1%
Over 65 $58,438 14.0%
Above poverty level
1,382
Below poverty level
262
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,382 84.1% -6.4%
Below poverty level 262 15.9% -14.9%

Average renter income in East Helena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in East Helena, their median household income was $31,458 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,458
Rent-to-income ratio
41.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in East Helena

Workforce and job types in East Helena

The job market in East Helena is powered by 973 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.1% run their own businesses, 59.9% are employed by private companies, and 7.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
973
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
834
Blue collar
139
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 834 85.7% 2.8%
Blue collar 139 14.3% -9.2%
Employer type
Self employees
2.1%
Private companies
59.9%
Governmental workers
7.6%
Not for profit companies
30.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 20 2.1% -37.5%
Private companies 583 59.9% 19.5%
Governmental workers 74 7.6% -33.3%
Not for profit companies 296 30.4% -11.1%
Unemployment rate
7.9%
-23.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in East Helena stands at 7.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in East Helena

How people get around in East Helena

Commuting methods vary: 75.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 743 75.2% 0.0%
Motorcycle 77 7.8% 0.0%
Walk 25 2.5% 127.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in East Helena by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59635 8,292 3,381 $83,740 $101,421

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FAQs about East Helena demographics 

What is the total population of East Helena?

East Helena has a total population of 1,702 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -8.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Helena?

The gender ratio in East Helena is as follows:
  • 53.1% males (904 residents)
  • 46.9% females (798 residents)

What is the median age in East Helena?

The median age in East Helena is 35.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Helena?

The age distribution in East Helena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (261 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (219 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.4% (552 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (421 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (249 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Helena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Helena is as follows:
  • White: 94.4% (1,607 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (18 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (64 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in East Helena are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.7% of the population in East Helena.

How many housing units are there in East Helena?

There are 853 housing units in East Helena, reflecting a -5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in East Helena and what is the average household size?

East Helena has a total of 853 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Helena?

East Helena has a median household income of $60,417, representing a +12.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for East Helena?

The employment rate is 92.1% in East Helena, with a workforce of 973 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.7% (834 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.3% (139 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.1% (20 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.9% (583 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.6% (74 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 30.4% (296 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025