Helena
RANK #427 / 996 NAT · POP 71,487
1YR FORECAST: +2.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
Lewis and Clark County, Montana, is defined by its connection to the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition and its striking natural scenery, including segments of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Continental Divide. Helena, the state capital and county seat, serves as a central hub. The county offers extensive outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping across its 407 acres of parkland and numerous trails. Major water features like the Missouri, Blackfoot, and Dearborn Rivers provide diverse recreational activities. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, with Interstate 15 and U.S. Highways 12 and 287 serving as key routes. Public transportation is available in Helena and East Helena.
Life in Lewis and Clark County blends a connection to history with access to natural amenities. The public schools in Lewis and Clark County are rated above average. The economy has seen job growth since 2020, with government, finance, and professional and technical services among the higher-paying industries. The area attracts families and young professionals, with a notable percentage of residents owning their homes. Lewis and Clark County's population has steadily increased, with a significant number of people moving into the county between 2020 and 2023.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.3x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lewis and Clark County scores 57/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#427). Median household income is $71,967 and job growth is running at +2.4%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Lewis and Clark County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $332,000 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.22 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,006/month on average.
Lewis and Clark County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.6% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.4% clip. Home values shifted +2.6% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.85% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lewis and Clark County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.