St. Helens (2020 Census population ~13,800) is the Columbia County seat, a Columbia River waterfront city on US-30 about 30 miles northwest of Portland. It has a historic downtown around the courthouse, a working riverfront with a public boat dock and marina, and a growing reputation as an affordable alternative for Portland-area commuters, with Halloween-season tourism drawn by its "Halloweentown" film fame.
Photography of St. HelensPhoto: Multiple credited photographers · See source links
Home prices in St. Helens
The median listing price in St. Helens is $497,450.
Top places in St. Helens
Historic downtown and the Columbia County Courthouse.
Riverfront — public boat dock (shown below), marina, and Columbia View Park (shown: Little Free Library below).
McCormick Park and Nob Hill Nature Park.
Working waterfront heritage (shown: 1970s gillnet mending and 1883 photos below).
Commuting from St. Helens
Approximate drive to downtown Portland: ~40 minutes via US-30 (approximate; longer at peak).
No rail service. Columbia County Rider provides limited bus service along US-30.
Schools in St. Helens
Public schools: St. Helens School District 502. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
St. Helens FAQs
What is the housing market like in St. Helens, OR? The median listing price in St. Helens is $497,450. Median listing price (September 2026 research snapshot)
How is the commute from St. Helens, OR? Approximate drive to downtown Portland: ~40 minutes via US-30 (approximate; longer at peak).
Which school district serves St. Helens, OR? St. Helens is served by St. Helens School District 502. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
