Town in Bexar County, part of the San Antonio metro

Living in Helotes, TX

A

49th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 93 of 100
7th of 54 in the San Antonio area

Helotes earns a grade of A on our index, 49th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on home ownership and jobs and income, and trails on cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals and retirees.

  • Good for families
  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Fast-growing
  • River flooding risk is very high
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Helotes isHoustonDallasAustinFort WorthHelotes
Where Helotes is in Texas.
Population
10,387+16.0% since 2020
Median rent
$2,50078% higher than Texas
Median home value
$399,00041% higher than Texas
Household income
$132,675Median
Average commute
26 minOne way
Violent crime
29Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Helotes

Helotes sits about 12 miles from downtown San Antonio, in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro. 10,387 people lived here in 2025, up 16.0% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2006).

Places locals use include Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course, Helotes Creek Linear Park and Spengler's Park.

The median age is 42.8, 37% of households have children, 97% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $132,675 a year (69% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Helotes

  • Strong public schools. 100% of the 3 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 29 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 93% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $132,675, 69% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 16% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Helotes

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,500, 78% higher than the Texas median.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, tornadoes and heat waves as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 123 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Helotes suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 93% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 69% higher than the Texas median, with 45 restaurants and 10 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 86% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 11% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 93% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 95% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,500 is 78% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 76% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $2,500 is 78% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for people on a budget.

Helotes report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Helotes with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade D+

    Median rent $2,500, homes cost 3.0x income.

    25 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade A-

    Median household income $132,675, 5.0% unemployed.

    83 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade A-

    3 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    81 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B+

    29 violent crimes per 100k, 665 property crimes per 100k.

    73 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade C+

    0 grocery stores, 45 restaurants, 11 parks mapped in town.

    55 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade C+

    Average commute 26 min, 21% work from home.

    56 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade B+

    53% have a bachelor’s degree.

    74 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade B

    11% of adults uninsured.

    71 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade A

    97% of homes owner-occupied.

    92 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade B+

    95% of homes have broadband.

    78 of 100 vs US towns

Where Helotes stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 97%34 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Median household income: $132,67569% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 53%19 points higher than Texas (34%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,50078% higher than Texas ($1,403)

Cost of living in Helotes

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Helotes is $2,500 a month, 78% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $100,000 a year. Right now 48% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,196 for a one-bedroom, $1,441 for a two-bedroom and $1,864 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $399,000, 41% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,184 before tax, or $2,797 with property tax. That is $297 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Helotes pays $7,356 a year, 74% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in HelotesStudio$1,0991 bedroom$1,1962 bedrooms$1,4413 bedrooms$1,8644 bedrooms$2,163
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent78% higher than Texas$2,500$1,403$1,413
Median home value41% higher than Texas$399,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income17% lower than Texas3.0x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent3 points lower than Texas48%52%51%
Median property tax per year74% higher than Texas$7,356$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them34 points higher than Texas97%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,797
Mortgage payment
$2,184
Property tax
$613
Median rent, for comparison
$2,500

Based on a $399,000 home in Helotes, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Helotes safe?

In 2025, Helotes Police Department reported 3 violent crimes and 70 property crimes. That works out to 29 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 665 property crimes per 100,000, 68% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 57% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Helotes by yearTexas2920212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
29
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
665
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Helotes by yearTexas66520212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Helotes Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Helotes

Helotes has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Northside ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Helotes Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 87 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
81
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
87
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AHelotes ElementaryElementary, Northside ISD92 of 100
  • BO'connor High SchoolHigh, Northside ISD86 of 100
  • BKuentz ElementaryElementary, Northside ISD83 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Helotes

We grade 3 areas inside Helotes. The top three are Bavarian Forest (A-), Central Helotes (A-) and North Helotes (B+). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 3 Helotes neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Helotes

    Everyday places mapped inside Helotes, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course, Helotes Creek Linear Park, Spengler's Park.

    The average one-way commute is 26 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 21% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown San Antonio is about 12 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Helotes work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $132,675, income per person is $49,690, unemployment is 5.0% and 53% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    0
    Pharmacies
    2
    Restaurants
    45
    Cafes
    10
    Bars
    10
    Parks
    11
    Gyms
    7
    Hospitals and urgent care
    2
    Childcare
    2
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income69% higher than Texas$132,675$78,476$80,734
    Income per person22% higher than Texas$49,690$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.0%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line11 points lower than Texas3.1%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points higher than Texas53%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher7 points higher than Texas93%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance9 points lower than Texas11%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet4 points higher than Texas95%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute4% lower than Texas26 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home7 points higher than Texas21%14%15%
    Workers who work from home21%
    Workers who take transit0.9%
    Workers who walk2.0%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Helotes

    Under 1819%
    18 to 3421%
    35 to 6441%
    65 and over19%

    Median age 42.8 years. 37% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White37%
    Hispanic or Latino54%
    Black1.9%
    Asian2.9%
    Other or more than one race4.4%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Helotes

    Helotes has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 43°F. There are about 123 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 32 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Helotes40°60°80°100°65J70F76M83A89M95J97J98A93S84O74N66DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from San Antonio/Seaworld, 8 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

    • River floodingVery high
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresVery high
    • Winter stormsLow
    • Strong windLow

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Helotes

    Nearby, Leon Valley gets a D-, Cross Mountain gets an A+ and Shavano Park gets an A+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. D-Leon ValleySmall city, 11,446 people7 mi
    2. A+Cross MountainTown, 3,752 people7 mi
    3. A+Shavano ParkTown, 3,670 people9 mi
    4. A-Scenic OaksSmall city, 10,569 people10 mi
    5. FBalcones HeightsTown, 2,715 people11 mi
    6. DSan AntonioCity, 1,479,835 people11 mi

    Helotes in the San Antonio area

    How it ranks among 54 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Cross Mountain3,752 people16 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Shavano Park3,670 people9 mito downtown
    3. 3A+Hollywood Park3,143 people10 mito downtown
    4. 4A+Alamo Heights7,492 people4 mito downtown
    5. 5AFair Oaks Ranch10,728 people21 mito downtown
    6. 6ASt. Hedwig2,313 people19 mito downtown
    7. 7AHelotes9,630 people12 mito downtown
    8. 8AOlmos Park2,115 people2 mito downtown
    9. 9AComfort1,565 people42 mito downtown
    10. 10APoth1,532 people38 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of san antonio

    Living in Helotes: common questions

    Is Helotes, TX a good place to live?

    Helotes earns a grade of A on our index, 49th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on home ownership and jobs and income, and trails on cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals and retirees.

    How much does it cost to live in Helotes?

    Median rent in Helotes is $2,500 a month, 78% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $399,000, 41% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.0x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $2,797, including property tax.

    Is Helotes safe?

    In 2025, Helotes Police Department reported 29 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 665 per 100,000, 68% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Helotes?

    We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Helotes. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 81 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Helotes?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Helotes are Bavarian Forest, Central Helotes and North Helotes. We score 3 areas in the city.

    Does Helotes flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Helotes as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Helotes?

    Summers in Helotes peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 43°F. Expect around 123 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 32 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Helotes?

    The average one-way commute is 26 min, 4% lower than the Texas average. About 21% of workers work from home. It is about 12 miles from downtown San Antonio.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.