Here's why:

* Location on the Periodic Table: Helium is located in Group 18, also known as the noble gases. Noble gases are all nonmetals.

* Properties: Helium has the following properties that are typical of nonmetals:

* It is a gas at room temperature.

* It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.

* It is not malleable or ductile.

* It does not form ionic bonds easily.