South Central Neighborhood, Helena

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 8% of neighborhoods in Helena

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 153 / 300 High
Violent Crime 149
49% above national avg
Property Crime 153
53% above national avg
City Ranking
8%
safer than other
Helena neighborhoods

Is South Central Safe?

South Central in Helena, MT has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average of 100. South Central is safer than 8% of neighborhoods in Helena.

Compared to the Helena average (crime index 106), South Central is 47% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 173, 73% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 120).

Overall, South Central is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 173 (73% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 120 (20% above avg)

South Central Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Helena city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
160 +60% High
Assault
147 +47% Moderate
Robbery
148 +48% Moderate
Rape
141 +41% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
120 +20% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
173 +73% High
Vehicle Theft
167 +67% High

How South Central Compares

Crime index by category: South Central vs Helena average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

South Central Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

South Central Demographics & Context

Population
4,667
Median Income
$52,751
Home Value
$360,784
Median Age
37
Pop. Density
2,904/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 23.5%
Graduate Degree 22.3%

Housing

34%
66%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 89.4%
Black 0.6%
Hispanic 3.8%
Asian 1.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Upper West Side Index: 73
A+
Lower East Side Index: 155
A
Upper East Side Index: 84
A+
North Central Index: 98
A
Lower West Side Index: 134
A
North East Index: 155
A
North West Index: 53
A+
Gulches Index: 77
A+
South Central Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Helena Crime Statistics
View all Helena neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in South Central, Helena?

South Central in Helena, MT has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average. Compared to the Helena average, crime in South Central is 47% higher. South Central is safer than 8% of neighborhoods in Helena.

Is South Central a safe neighborhood in Helena?

South Central is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Helena, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 173), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 120). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Helena.

How does South Central compare to the rest of Helena?

South Central's overall crime index is 153, compared to the Helena average of 106. This means crime in South Central is 47% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 149, and for property crime it is 153. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in South Central?

The most prevalent crime type in South Central is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 173 (73% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near South Central?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Upper West Side, Lower East Side, Upper East Side and North Central. These areas are close to South Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of South Central?

South Central has a population of approximately 4,667. The median household income is $52,751. The median home value is $360,784. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does South Central crime compare to the national average?

South Central's overall crime rate is 53% above the national average (index 153 vs 100). Within Helena, it is safer than 8% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated March 2026.