Cost of Living in Helena Valley Northwest, MT
Population 5,070 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Helena Valley Northwest sits at the intersection of rural Montana and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $101,278 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 180 miles west of Billings, Helena Valley Northwest is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Billings' $312,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Helena Valley Northwest
The median home value in Helena Valley Northwest is $358,600 — 18% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,640/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,278/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Montana's top state income tax rate is 6.8% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 57.7°F and lows of 33.4°F, with about 37.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Helena Valley Northwest has a cost of living index of 120 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% more expensive.
Helena Valley Northwest is within a protected area
This area is within or adjacent to protected federal land. Residential housing is concentrated in nearby towns — here are the closest communities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 37 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 75 | 86 | 85 | 73 | 58 | 43 | 33 |
| Low °F | 14 | 17 | 25 | 32 | 42 | 49 | 55 | 53 | 45 | 34 | 23 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.39 | 0.42 | 0.52 | 1.02 | 1.95 | 2.21 | 1.06 | 1.04 | 0.96 | 0.78 | 0.59 | 0.46 |
| Snow" | 6.6 | 6.6 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 2.8 | 5.4 | 7.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Helena Valley Northwest, MT?
Helena Valley Northwest has a cost index of 120 (100 = national average). It is 20% above the national average.
What is average rent in Helena Valley Northwest, MT?
The median gross rent in Helena Valley Northwest is $1,640 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Helena Valley Northwest?
The median home value in Helena Valley Northwest is $358,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Helena Valley Northwest?
The median household income in Helena Valley Northwest is $101,278 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Helena Valley Northwest, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Helena Valley Northwest is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Helena Valley Northwest, MT affordable?
Helena Valley Northwest is above average in cost of living, with an index of 120 — about 20% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Helena Valley Northwest?
Helena Valley Northwest has average high temperatures of 57.7°F and average lows of 33.4°F. Annual precipitation is 11.4". Average annual snowfall is 37.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Helena Valley Northwest at a Glance
- Population
- 5,070
- Median Income
- $101,278
- Home Value
- $358,600
- Median Rent
- $1,640/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs