As of the census of 2000, there were 10,296 people, 3,828 households, and 3,043 families residing in the city. The population density was 603.0 people per square mile (232.9/km²). There were 3,983 housing units at an average density of 233.3/sq mi (90.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.25% White, 5.00% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 0.52% from two or more races. 1.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 3,828 households out of which 43.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.2% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 28.7% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 42.7% from 25 to 44, 17.5% from 45 to 64, and 5.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $62,908, and the median income for a family was $66,250. Males had a median income of $45,291 versus $32,431 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,323. About 1.4% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.
Helena is conveniently located to two major interstates. I-459 is located 9 miles to the north which joins major east-west interstates I-20 and I-59; north-south oriented I-65 is 3 miles to the east of Old Town Helena. CSX Transportation provides rail service on two separate lines, the S&NA South subdivision between Birmingham and Montgomery, and the Lineville subdivision between Birmingham and Atlanta, Georgia.. General aviation and private jet service is available at the nearby Bessemer Airport (EKY) about 8 miles north of Old Town. Extensive commercial flights are available at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) approximately 25 miles to the northeast.. Intercity rail service is available on the Amtrak Crescent 19 miles to the north.
Electric service is provided by Alabama Power Company, water, sewage and garbage pick-up by the City, and cable television by Charter Communications.
Numerous medical professionals practice in Helena. The city also benefits from its proximity to Birmingham’s extensive medical community including several major hospitals and University of Alabama at Birmingham medical schools. The closest hospital is Baptist Shelby in Alabaster, Alabama.
Helena is the hometown of American Idol's 2005 runner-up Bo Bice and Olympic gold medalist Vonetta Flowers, the first African-American to medal in the Winter Olympics. It is also the hometown of the Broadway star Rebecca Luker, who has played some of the most prized roles on Broadway such as: Christine in The Phantom of The Opera, Maria in the Sound of Music, along with several others. Rebecca Luker has been nominated for a Tony award three times.