City Town Info

Helena, MT


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Helena, Montana

Introduction to Helena, Montana

Helena is the capital of Montana and is located in Lewis and Clark County. The city is situated near the Continental Divide, Lake Helena, The Big Belt Mountains, Helena National Forests and other noteworthy scenic sites.

History

The city of Helena was founded in 1864, primarily due to gold being discovered along the Last Chance Creek. The "Four Georgians" originally discovered gold in the region and the area was called Crab Town in tribute to one of the Four Georgians named John Crab. Quickly, the city was filled with miners seeking gold. Some members of the community decided to rename the city. There was an agreement to name the town after Saint Helena Minnesota; the home town of John Sommerville. The community members decided that "Saint" would not be included.

By the year 1888 approximately 50 millionaires resided in Helena. The city prospered due to the vast amount of gold that was extracted from the Last Chance Gulch. In 1889 railroad entrepreneur Charles Arthur Broadwater constructed the legendary Hotel Broadwater and Natatorium near the city. Helena had been established as the capital of Montana Territory in 1875 and was designated the capital of the state of Montana in 1889.

Air Transportation

The city is home to the Helena Regional Airport.

Outdoor Activities

Helena provides residents and visitors with a wide variety of outdoor activities. Fishing, swimming, camping, boating, water-skiing and wind surfing are popular activities at the Holter and Hauser Lakes. Canyon Ferry and Spring Meadow Lake are other popular destinations for outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts enjoy Blackfoot Meadows, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, Mount Helena city park as well as the Continental Divide Trail. The Helena region also provides three major trail systems for snowmobiles. The Great Divide Ski area is located near Helena.

Attractions

  • Holter Museum of Art showcases the area's arts and crafts.
  • Archie Bray Foundation is internationally known for ceramics.
  • Grandstreet Theater.
  • Gates of the Mountain.
  • Montana Historical Society Museum.
  • The State Capital features a huge copper dome.
  • The Original Governor's Mansion is a Queen Anne style house.
  • Great Northern Carousel.
  • Memorial Park.
  • Last Chance Tour Train.
  • The impressive homes in the Mansion District.
  • St. Helena Cathedral.
  • Reeders's Alley is a restored mining town.
  • Last Chance Gulch.
  • Old Fire Tower.
  • Civic Center.

Higher Education

Helena is home to Carroll College; recognized as a Roman Catholic Liberal Arts school. The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology campus is located in the city and is affiliated with the University of Montana.

High Points

Helena strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Montana):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)		Top 1%trophyHelena Short Commute Times
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)		Top 1%trophyHelena Well-Paid Single Women
Median Family Income
(vs. State)		Top 2%trophyHelena Median Family Income
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)		Top 2%trophyHelena Well-Paid Single Men
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)		Top 2%trophyHelena College Educated Adults
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)		Top 5%trophyHelena Walking and Biking to Work
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)		Top 7%Helena People in Middle Class or Better
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)		Top 8%Helena Affordability of Rents
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)		Top 12%Helena Racial Diversity

Comparative Profile of Helena, MT

Comparing Helena to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Montana (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Age of the Population94
Female Share of the Population87
Senior Citizens72
Well-Paid Single Women710
Well-Paid Single Men610
Male Share of the Population34
Children Under 5 Years Old35
Racial Diversity19

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married32
Average Household Size12

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults910
Median Family Income510
People in Middle Class or Better510
People Above Poverty46

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times107
Walking and Biking to Work108
Working at Home96
Public Transportation Use38

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Living Alone109
Affordability of Rents103
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals89
Seasonal and Vacation Housing82
Affordability of Property Taxes61
Housing Recently Built47

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Property Crime55
Low Violent Crime44
Detailed pages on related topics: Colleges in Helena, Helena mortgage and property, Helena travel

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