Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Helen, GA
Considering a move to Helen, GA? This charming Alpine-inspired town of just 531 residents enjoys a low cost of living, with median home prices around $278,000 and average rents near $1,050. Residents benefit from short 18-minute commutes, a lower-than-average violent crime rate, and easy access to scenic mountain landscapes. Helen offers a temperate climate with over 61% sunny days and reputable local schools, making it an attractive choice for both retirees and families seeking a relaxed, picturesque lifestyle.
Demographics - Helen, GA
Helen, GA is a small town of 531 people with a predominantly White population and a median age of 57, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The population density is moderate, and there is a slightly higher number of females than males. Most residents are English speakers, contributing to a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
531
Density:
530 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.6%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Helen, GA?
Living in Helen is affordable, with a median home value of $278,000 and average rents around $1,050 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, particularly for housing, making the area appealing for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and everyday expenses remain reasonable, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$278,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$132
Auto Insurance:
$1,330
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.5
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
81.0
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
92.2
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
96.4
Crime
Is Helen, GA a safe place to live?
Helen experiences a low violent crime rate, with only 89 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe place to live. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a chance of 1 in 72. Overall, residents enjoy a sense of security in this small community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
89
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,372
Crime Index:
1,461
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,120
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 72
Weather
What is the weather like in Helen, GA year-round?
Helen enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 28°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The area receives about 61 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 61% of the year, providing plenty of pleasant days for outdoor activities. The climate is ideal for those who appreciate both seasonal changes and a generally temperate environment.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
61 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The local community in Helen has a median household income of $50,800 and a poverty rate of 16%, reflecting modest but stable living standards. Most neighbors are educated, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is just 18 minutes, offering both convenience and a tight-knit, friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$50,800
Family Income:
$58,900
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$35,400
Income Female:
$28,600
Poverty Rate:
16.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Helen, GA?
Helen is served by reputable public schools such as White County High School and Mt. Yonah Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Truett McConnell University is just nine miles away, providing local access to college-level programs. The area supports lifelong learning for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
White County High School
Street:
2600 Hwy 129 North
Phone:
706-865-2312
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Mt. Yonah Elementary School
Street:
1161 Duncan Bridge Rd
Phone:
706-865-3514
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Truett McConnell University Early Learning Center
Street:
100 Alumni Dr, Cleveland, GA
Phone:
706-865-2134
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
Truett McConnell University
City:
Cleveland
State:
GA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Helen residents have access to quality healthcare, including the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in nearby Gainesville, which provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The town has about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 85% of residents have health insurance, ensuring reliable care for most needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northeast Georgia Medical Center – Gainesville
Address:
743 Spring St NE, Gainesville, GA 30501
Phone:
(770) 219-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.6%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Helen, GA?
Helen's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $278,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,050. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady appreciation in home values. The rental vacancy rate is moderate, offering a variety of options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$278,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Helen handle driver services through the Georgia Department of Driver Services located in Conyers, with support available online or by phone. The DMV provides essential licensing and vehicle registration services for the state. Convenient resources ensure residents can easily manage their driving and vehicle needs.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2206 East View Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
Phone:
678-413-8400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.