Let the numbers do the talking.
Butte, MT vs Helena, MT
Butte, MT vs Helena, MT: What the data shows
Butte, MT is in Butte, MT while Helena, MT is in Helena, MT — both in the same state. On home prices, Butte, MT is the more affordable option at $191,500 median — $137,000 less than Helena, MT's $328,500. WYLT rates Butte, MT as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Helena, MT as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Butte, MT has the stronger safety profile of the two. Butte, MT has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Helena, MT has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Butte, MT has Low flood risk and Helena, MT has Low flood risk.
Helena, MT is the more walkable neighborhood. Butte, MT scores N/A/100 versus Helena, MT's 41/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Helena, MT has the higher school rating — Butte, MT rates 6/10 and Helena, MT rates 7.4/10.
| Category | Butte, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $192K ✓ Lower price | $329K |
| Median Rent | $794 ✓ Lower rent | $941 |
| Median Income | $56K | $66K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 41/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 31/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | N/A | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | B |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6/10 | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families looking for affordable, safe neighborhoodsRetirees who want a quiet lifestyleBudget‑conscious buyers | Families with kidsRetirees looking for a quiet, nature‑rich settingRemote workers who can thrive in a low‑density environment |
Bottom line
For families with kids, Butte might be a more suitable choice thanks to its more affordable housing and similar school ratings. However, Helena's slightly better schools and walkability make it a slightly better fit for families with teenagers who value a more dynamic community. Overall, Helena's trade-offs between commute and nightlife are preferable for most adults who don't require a strong job market.
Share this comparison