Helena
cityHelena, Montana, the state capital and seat of Lewis and Clark County, is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Founded as a gold camp in 1864 during the Montana gold rush, it quickly transformed from a bustling boomtown to a prosperous city. As of 2026, Helena's population is estimated to be around 35,966. Known as the "Queen City of the Rockies", Helena offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Helena's economy is supported by government jobs, healthcare, retail, and small businesses. As the state capital, many residents are employed by state government agencies. The city also serves as a commercial and economic hub for west-central Montana. Fort William Henry Harrison also bolsters the economy. Helena is distinctive for its well-preserved 19th-century Victorian architecture, a legacy of its gold rush prosperity. The city provides access to numerous outdoor recreational activities, including hiking in Mount Helena City Park and water sports on nearby lakes and reservoirs. Its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty make it a unique destination.
Helena, Montana
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Lewis and Clark County
- Region
- Rocky Mountain Region
- Elevation
- 4,157 ft
- Total Area
- 16.39 sq mi
- Land Area
- 16.35 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.04 sq mi
- Latitude
- 46.5883
- Longitude
- -112.0247
- Climate
- Helena has a semi-arid climate with long, cold, moderately snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Precipitation is sparse, with most falling in the spring.
- Notable Features
- Continental Divide · Mount Helena City Park · Spring Meadow Lake State Park · Lake Helena · Helena National Forest · Big Belt Mountains · Gates of the Mountains Wilderness · Elkhorn Mountains
- Neighboring Areas
- East Helena · Helena Valley
- Population (2020)
- 32,091
- Est. Population (2026)
- 35,966
- Median Age
- 40.5
- Median Income
- $71,036
- Poverty Rate
- 8.83%
- Family Households
- 47.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 52.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Helena includes 89.39% White, 2.02% Native American, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.54% Asian, and 6.33% Two or more races. 4.67% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- School District
- Helena Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Commercial center · Government · Service industries
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Public Administration · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- State government agencies · Carroll College · St. Peter's Health
- Schools
- 15
- Students
- 5,173
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- School Districts
- Helena Elementary School District · Helena High School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Carroll College · Helena College University of Montana
- Transportation
- Interstate access · Helena Regional Airport (HLN)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospital · Airport · Convention Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Mount Helena City Park · Spring Meadow Lake State Park · Holter Lake · Hauser Lake · Canyon Ferry Lake
- Parks & Trails
- 30 parks including bike and pedestrian trails · Centennial Trail
- Founded
- 1864
- Incorporated
- 1881
- Named After
- Helena, Minnesota
- Historical Significance
- Founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush, Helena became a wealthy city and the capital of Montana, retaining its historical charm and architecture.
- Key Events
- Gold discovered in Last Chance Gulch in 1864 · Became capital of Montana Territory in 1875 · Became state capital in 1894 · Wealth boom with approximately 50 millionaires by 1888