City profile
Helena, AL
Shelby County · Population 21,769
Helena is a town in Shelby County, AL with about 21,769 residents and a typical home value near $331,000. It is 17 miles from Birmingham, AL, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Humid subtropical
Winter avg
44°F
Summer avg
81°F
Sunny days / yr
212
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$330,700
Typical monthly housing
$1,907
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
119
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.40%
- State income tax (top)
- 5%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 9.29%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate · county score 90/100
Top hazards: Tornado, Landslide, Lightning
Nearest major airport
21 mi to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 29% Democratic / 70% Republican
Community
Population
21,769
Black population
18.0%
County
Shelby County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸AL is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast), tornadoes
Highlights
- About 21,769 residents
- Typical home value about $331,000
- 17 miles from Birmingham, AL
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.