Bristol, NH
Population 2,157 · New Hampshire
About Bristol, NH
Bristol is a small town located in New Hampshire with a population of 2,157 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,972 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bristol features a median home value of $192,900, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bristol in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,270, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 984 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (512 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (359 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bristol shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bristol have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.6% of Bristol residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bristol Ranks in New Hampshire
Cost of Living in Bristol, NH
Compared to national averages, Bristol has a median household income of $60,972 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,900, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,270 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Hampshire, Bristol's income is 23% below the state average of $79,671, and home values are 36% below the state median of $303,204.
Why Live in Bristol, NH?
Bristol offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,900, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,972) that falls below the national average. However, Bristol’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bristol has a population of 2,157 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Bristol with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Hampshire.
Similar Cities Near Bristol
Cities in New Hampshire with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | 2,264 | $92,525 | $182,900 | Compare |
| Gorham | 2,044 | $60,417 | $136,300 | Compare |
| North Conway | 2,286 | $73,344 | $271,100 | Compare |
| Peterborough | 2,343 | $81,836 | $323,700 | Compare |
| Enfield | 1,917 | $78,583 | $274,500 | Compare |
| Wolfeboro | 2,420 | $50,721 | $363,200 | Compare |
| Pittsfield | 1,882 | $50,804 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Hampton Beach | 2,585 | $75,363 | $443,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bristol With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bristol
What is the population of Bristol, NH?
The population of Bristol, NH is 2,157 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Hampshire.
What is the median household income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol, NH is $60,972 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol, NH is $192,900, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bristol?
The median monthly rent in Bristol, NH is $1,270, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bristol?
The unemployment rate in Bristol, NH is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bristol, NH a good place to live?
Bristol offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,157 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bristol, NH?
16.6% of residents in Bristol aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bristol?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bristol, NH: median home value is $192,900 (21% below national), median rent is $1,270/month, and median household income is $60,972. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bristol?
The poverty rate in Bristol, NH is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bristol, NH?
Bristol's population is 1.3% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.9% of residents are foreign-born.