Pelham & Helena, Alabama: Small-Town Warmth, Modern Convenience
Sitting side by side along I-65 with easy access to Birmingham, Pelham (pop. 25,121) and Helena (pop. 21,895) offer the best of both worlds — small-town warmth with every modern convenience. With crime rates well below the national average and a cost of living 13.8% below the Alabama average, both cities are among the most sought-after suburbs in the region for families and young professionals.
Top-Rated Schools Pelham City Schools earned an A from the Alabama State Department of Education in 2025, with Pelham High School boasting a 95% graduation rate and a U.S. News national ranking. Helena is served by the highly regarded Shelby County Schools district — Helena High School has a 58% AP participation rate, and Helena Middle School has earned U.S. News' "Best Middle Schools" recognition.
Outdoor Life Both cities share Oak Mountain State Park — Alabama's largest — offering mountain biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, and a beloved annual Buck Creek Festival featuring live music, food, and community celebration.
Local Flavor Helena's walkable Old Town district anchors Main Street with boutiques, local shops, the Depot Deli & Grill with waterfall views, Oversoul Brewing, and a weekly farmers market. Pelham adds everyday convenience with big-box retail, dining, antique shops, the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, and the Pelham Racquet Club.
Real Estate About 50% of Pelham's homes have been built since 2000, offering modern layouts, large lots, and master-planned communities with resort-style amenities. Helena leans upscale, with estate homes on acreage and luxury properties that offer space and privacy without sacrificing proximity to Birmingham.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing family, or move-up buyer — Pelham and Helena deserve your attention.
19,808 people live in Helena/Pelham, where the median age is 35.4 and the average individual income is $49,384. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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There's plenty to do around Helena/Pelham, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Refined To Go, Hillsboro Trail, and Fifth Earl Cigars.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.67 miles | 62 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.75 miles | 8 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Nightlife | 3.8 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.65 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Helena/Pelham has 6,644 households, with an average household size of 2.98. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Helena/Pelham do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 19,808 people call Helena/Pelham home. The population density is 429.22 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
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Average individual Income
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Blue vs White Collar Workers
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