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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Helena

Affordable Housing in Helena, MT

Helena has 24 income-based rental properties offering 963 total units, giving renters a range of options in Montana's capital city. With a median market rent of $1,092 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), affordable housing here can represent real savings for eligible households. Of the 7 properties with inspection scores on file, 4 rated excellent and 2 rated good, pointing to solid overall property conditions.

24
Properties
963
Total units
88/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,092/mo

Affordability in Helena, MT

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Helena is $1,092 and the median household income is $71,036 annually. About 47% of Helena residents rent their homes, reflecting a sizable renter population that may benefit from the city's affordable and income-based housing options.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
514 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Helena Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 514 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Of the 8 HUD-assisted properties in Helena tracked by Lease Lantern, none are located in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 79 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Helena

According to Walk Score, the area around Helena's assisted properties scores 79 (Very Walkable) and a Bike Score of 67. No Transit Score is available for this area.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
20 schools · 2 districts

Schools

Helena is served by 20 public schools across 2 districts -- including 13 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$71,036 median income

Cost of Living in Helena

The median household income in Helena is $71,036 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median monthly rent across all rental housing in the city is $1,092, also per Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

Income-based and HUD-assisted housing caps rent as a percentage of your household income, which can make a meaningful difference for renters earning below area median income. Helena has 8 income-restricted properties with a combined 430 units available in the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 8 assisted properties in Helena were mapped against FEMA flood zone data, and none are located in a high-risk flood zone. Flood risk appears low across this portfolio.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 88/100(7 of 24 scored)
90+ (4)70–89 (2)60–69 (1)No score (17)

24 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 24 affordable apartments in Helena→

Other cities in MT

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Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in MT› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Affordable Housing in Helena, MT

Helena is Montana's state capital, home to 8 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties totaling 430 units. Nearly half of residents rent their homes -- 47 percent, according to Census ACS 5-Year data -- and the median monthly rent citywide is $1,092 (Census ACS 5-Year). Assisted housing here can represent meaningful savings for income-qualified renters.

Property Conditions

Of the 7 properties with HUD inspection scores on file, 4 rated excellent and 2 rated good, with 1 rated fair and none rated poor. The average score across scored properties is 88, reflecting a generally well-maintained inventory.

Flood Risk

All 8 properties have been mapped for flood risk. None fall in a high-risk flood zone, which is a reassuring baseline for renters concerned about flood exposure.

Getting Around

Helena scores 79 (Very Walkable) and 67 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. For a small capital city, those numbers suggest daily errands and commutes are reasonably manageable without a car for many residents.

Schools

The Helena area is served by 2 school districts and 20 public schools -- 13 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Public Safety

The Helena Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 514 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.

Economic Context

The median household income in Helena is $71,036 annually (Census ACS 5-Year), providing context for understanding who may qualify for income-restricted housing programs in the area.

Eligibility & how to apply

Montana income limits (2026)Montana public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Montana

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →