Retail Trade in Helena, MT
Metro Market Score 54.2 (Challenging), ranked #192 of 378 metros. 336 establishments, 4,762 jobs.
Metro Market Assessment
Lower is better. Relative to national retail trade average.
Helena stands out for high retail trade labor costs. Wage competitiveness hits 80.2 (above the 70th percentile of metros), and year-over-year wage pressure at 61.7 signals continued increases. Plan for higher payroll if entering this market.
336 Retail Trade Firms in Helena
Helena vs Montana Statewide
How this metro's retail trade market compares to Montana overall. The state ranks #34/51 for entry risk.
| Measure | Helena | MT Statewide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 54.2 Challenging | 45.8 Elevated |
| Score Type | Metro Market Score | Entry Risk Score |
| Rank | #192 of 378 metros | #34 of 51 states |
Metro and state scores use different methodologies (metro has 4 QCEW-based metrics; state adds BDS survival and momentum data). Direct score comparisons are approximate.
Other Industries in Helena
Retail Trade in Other Montana Metros
Retail Trade Metros With Similar Conditions
Metros within 5 points of Helena's 54.2 score. Useful when comparing markets with comparable entry profiles.
Retail Trade in States Bordering Montana
State-level entry risk for retail trade in adjacent states. Use this to weigh cross-border options.
Browse Retail Trade in Other States
State-level entry risk reports for retail trade across all 51 markets, sorted by rank.
Data Sources
- Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), Bureau of Labor Statistics. MSA-level establishment counts, employment, wages, and location quotients for the Helena, MT MSA area.
Data period: 2024. Last updated: April 2026.