Helena, MT Property Tax Rates
Compare property tax rates across 2 ZIP codes in Helena, Montana.
Avg Tax Rate
0.84%
Avg Annual Tax
$3,043
Avg Home Value
$362,400
ZIP Codes
2
Property Tax Overview: Helena, MT
Helena has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 0.84%, which is 18% above the Montana average of 0.71%. Annual property taxes range from $2,790 (ZIP 59602) to $3,296 (ZIP 59601).
For a home at Helena's median value of $362,400, property taxes add approximately $254/month to housing costs. Helena home values are above the Montana median of $298,948, meaning the monthly tax impact is correspondingly higher.
Property tax rates within Helena vary by 0.17 percentage points across its ZIP codes. This variation typically reflects different school district boundaries, special assessment zones, and municipal service areas within the city.
Helena vs Montana Average
Effective Tax Rate
18% above state average
Annual Property Tax
Median Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Helena, MT?
The average effective property tax rate in Helena, Montana is 0.84%, based on 2 ZIP codes.
How much is property tax in Helena, MT?
The average median annual property tax in Helena is $3,043 per year, with a median home value of $362,400.
Which ZIP code in Helena has the lowest property tax rate?
ZIP code 59602 has the lowest effective tax rate in Helena at 0.75%, with a median annual tax of $2,790.
How many ZIP codes are in Helena, MT?
Helena, Montana has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data available.
Which ZIP code in Helena has the highest property tax rate?
ZIP code 59601 has the highest effective tax rate in Helena at 0.93%, with a median annual tax of $3,296.
How do Helena property taxes compare to the Montana average?
Helena's average effective rate of 0.84% is 18% above the Montana state average of 0.71%.
What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in Helena?
Property tax rate differences within Helena are typically driven by school district boundaries (which can account for 40–60% of a tax bill), special assessment zones for fire, water, or transit services, and whether a ZIP falls within city limits or an unincorporated area. Each taxing jurisdiction sets its own rate, which is why adjacent ZIP codes can have noticeably different effective rates.
Tips for Helena Homeowners
- •Appeal your assessment: If your home is assessed higher than its market value, you can file a property tax appeal. Studies suggest 30–60% of properties are over-assessed. Most counties offer a free informal review process.
- •Check your exemptions: Homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable value and are available to primary residents in most states. Senior, veteran, and disability exemptions may also apply. Exemptions must typically be applied for — they are not automatic.
- •Know your assessment cycle: Montana reassesses properties periodically. After buying a home, your next tax bill may reflect a new assessment based on your purchase price. Budget accordingly, especially if you bought above prior assessed values.
- •Compare ZIP codes before buying: Even within Helena, effective tax rates can vary significantly across ZIP codes due to different school district overlays. Use PropertyTaxByZip to compare specific ZIPs before choosing a neighborhood.
Looking for county-level property tax data? View Lewis and Clark County on TaxByCounty.com
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA level). ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.
Estimates are informational only and should not be used as financial or legal advice.