Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Saint Helens, OR
Thinking of moving to Saint Helens, OR? With a population of around 14,400, this riverside city offers affordable living, with median home prices near $379,000 and average rents at $1,350. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, low violent crime rate (189 per 100k), and scenic Pacific Northwest weather. Commute times average about 31 minutes, and local schools provide solid educational opportunities, making Saint Helens a friendly spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - Saint Helens, OR
Demographics - Saint Helens, OR
Saint Helens has a population of about 14,400, featuring a median age of 38.6 and a nearly even gender balance. The city is predominantly White (84.5%) with a small but present mix of other backgrounds, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a small-town feel while maintaining access to amenities.
Population:
14,400
Density:
2,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
13.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Saint Helens, OR?
The cost of living in Saint Helens is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $379,000 and average rent around $1,350. Utilities and everyday expenses are reasonable, making it an accessible choice for families and professionals. State income tax rates range from 4.75% to 9.9%, and the overall cost of living index is 105.8.
Median House Value:
$379,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
105.8
Grocery:
102.2
Housing:
107.5
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
104.5
Health Care:
101.3
Miscellaneous:
99.7
Crime
Is Saint Helens, OR a safe place to live?
Saint Helens experiences a low violent crime rate, with 189 incidents per 100,000 people, and a property crime rate of 2,020 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 529 chance of being affected by violent crime, contributing to a sense of safety in the community. Property crime is more common but still below many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
189
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,020
Crime Index:
2,209
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 529
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Saint Helens, OR year-round?
The weather in Saint Helens is mild, with summer highs reaching 81°F and winter lows around 34°F. The area receives about 47% sunny days and nearly 47 inches of annual rainfall, typical of the Pacific Northwest. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with comfortable temperatures year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Households in Saint Helens earn a median income of $72,700, with most residents having at least a high school education. The community maintains a low unemployment rate of 4.6% and a poverty rate of about 11.6%. Commute times average just over 31 minutes, and public transport use is minimal, fostering a close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$72,700
Family Income:
$81,200
Per Capita Income:
$30,100
Income Male:
$43,400
Income Female:
$37,600
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
9.1%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Saint Helens, OR?
Saint Helens offers quality public schools, including St. Helens High School and Lewis & Clark Elementary, with student-teacher ratios near 20:1. Private and nearby college options, such as Columbia County Christian School and Portland Community College, provide additional educational opportunities. Most residents have completed high school, supporting a well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
St. Helens High School
Street:
2375 Gable Rd
Phone:
503-397-1900
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Lewis & Clark Elementary
Street:
111 S 9th St
Phone:
503-397-2454
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Private Schools
Name:
Columbia County Christian School
Street:
33918 E Columbia Ave
Phone:
503-397-3500
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Portland Community College - Rock Creek
City:
Portland
State:
OR
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
11,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Saint Helens is anchored by Legacy St. Helens Medical Center, providing general and emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to essential care. The healthcare index of 78.2 reflects affordable and consistent services for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Legacy St. Helens Medical Center
Address:
475 S Columbia River Hwy, St Helens, OR 97051
Phone:
(503) 397-1791
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Saint Helens, OR?
The Saint Helens housing market is stable, with a median home price of $379,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,350. About 63% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.6%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$379,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Saint Helens residents are served by the Oregon DMV, with the nearest full-service office located in Portland. Services include licensing, titles, and registrations, and appointments can be made online or by phone. The DMV ensures convenient access to all standard vehicle and driver services.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1900 SE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Phone:
503-945-5000
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.