Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Helena is a mid-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 18,631 inhabitants. At 73%, the majority of the Helena population is White; this is followed by 17% Black and 1% Asian. An important consideration when living in Helena is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Helena, Alabama. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Helena and in the areas around Helena is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Helena has received a livability score of 65 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 61st percentile when compared to all other cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Helena has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B+), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Helena does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 95 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Helena boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Helena, the unemployment rate stands at 1.17%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Helena market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Helena is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Helena come in at $203,100, which is 58.1% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Helena, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 20.7% lower than the Alabama average.
| Statistic | Helena | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.9% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.7% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.3% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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