Founded: 1864 (chartered, 1881)
Head Official: Mayor James E. Smith (I) (since 2001)
City Population
1980: 23,938
1990: 24,699
2000: 25,780
2003 estimate: 26,718
Percent change, 1990–2000: 2.8%
U.S. rank in 2000: Not reported
Lewis & Clark County Population
1980: 43,039
1990: 47,495
2000: 55,716
2003 estimate: 57,137
Percent change, 1990–2000: 17.3%
U.S. rank in 2000: 847th (among counties; state rank 6th)
Area: 14 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 4,090 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 44.0° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 11.32 inches
Major Economic Sectors: Government, services, finance
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (January 2005)
Per Capita Income: $20,020 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: Not reported
Major Colleges and Universities: Carroll College, Helena College of Technology
Daily Newspaper: Helena Independent Record