AARP Releases 2025 Helena Community Survey Highlighting Concerns of Residents age 50-plus

Helenans love the mountains and natural beauty, but above all, they love the sense of community Helena provides.

Helena, Mont., Sept. 25, 2025 — Helena, Montana, residents age 50 and older love their community, but housing costs appear to be at the top of their list of concerns. Some also express the need for better communication channels with local leaders.

The findings are part of an online survey of adults age 50-plus living in the community. The survey is aimed at providing a better understanding of the thoughts and needs of those living in the area.

Residents love the small-town community, in part for its easy access to nature, safe feel, friendly vibe, and the common value of lending a hand to a neighbor. "My favorite thing about our community is how deeply rooted we are in helping each other," one respondent said.

“AARP Montana is committed to helping great communities become even better not only by granting funds through our Community Challenge Grants but also by working with residents, local leaders and community partners to create safer streets and improve public transportation, trails and parks,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “Understanding the needs and concerns of local residents through this community survey is part of those efforts.”

What They Love
Residents of the Greater Helena Area were asked their opinions on a variety of subjects, starting with what their favorite thing was about the community. The mountains and the natural beauty it provides, along with easy access to the outdoors (e.g., hiking, fishing, and camping) is mentioned most. They also express an appreciation for the people in their area, their friendliness and the sense of community they have.

Communicating with local government
The vibrance and neighborliness of the community doesn’t always translate into strong communication with local officials, the survey revealed. More than half of residents (58%) did report having contacted local officials about their concerns and interests. However, 41% believe their voice won’t be heard. Partisan dynamics (29%), lack of formal communication channels (29%), and limited access to public meetings (22%) are also commonly cited as reasons for not reaching out to officials.

Concerns
The message of what they want local officials to address is clear: housing affordability.

Rising housing costs is the top concern residents want addressed, raised by 39% of residents. Transportation and health and human services are the next most commonly cited concerns, with a quarter of adults listing them as a top area in need of focus. 

The housing cost challenges identified are not just in the price of buying a home. Residents also cite such concerns as rising rental costs (46%) and insufficient housing supply (38%). Still other cost concerns raised by residents include the cost of property insurance, zoning constraints, and property taxes. 

Methodology
The analysis was based on an online survey of 250 Helena residents age 50 and older in June 2025. The data are representative of the Helena population on age and gender but are not weighted by the AARP membership, race, ethnicity or income of Helena residents age 50 and older. 

To see full AARP insights on Helenans 50+ visit: aarp.org/HelenaSurvey2025

Detailed Findings — Downloadable PDF Files:

• 2025 Community Advocacy Research: Helena, MT - Adults Age 50 and Older
• Greater Helena Residents Love Their Community, Worry About Housing Affordability, and Don't Feel Heard
• Annotated Questionnaire

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About AARP:
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

About AARP Montana:
For over 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of Montanans 50 plus. As one of Montana’s largest non-profit membership organizations, with more than 134,000 members, we advocate for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. We’re committed to helping already great communities across Montana become even better places for people of all ages to live and thrive by granting funds through our Community Challenge Grant Program. We fund small dollar, big impact projects in several categories, including transportation, safe streets, housing and public parks and trails.

We also connect Montanans with information and resources as well as help people connect with others who share their interests and passions – like music! As a main sponsor of the Helena Symphony’s Masterworks Series, we’re proud to help bring quality concerts to the community. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age. As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media.