Bristol, PA
Population 9,874 · Pennsylvania
About Bristol, PA
Bristol is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 9,874 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,595 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bristol features a median home value of $236,400, which is 3% 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 $1,281, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,279 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (2,485 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,571 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 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bristol have an average one-way commute time of 32.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.2% 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 3.7% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bristol, PA
Compared to national averages, Bristol has a median household income of $70,595 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $236,400, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,281 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Bristol's income is 4% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 24% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Bristol, PA?
Bristol offers affordable housing with a median home value of $236,400, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,595) 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 9,874 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Bristol with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Bristol
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brentwood | 9,927 | $60,432 | $143,700 | Compare |
| Uniontown | 9,819 | $35,451 | $87,600 | Compare |
| Willow Street | 10,010 | $106,867 | $298,200 | Compare |
| Croydon | 9,704 | $59,883 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Canonsburg | 9,682 | $80,581 | $192,100 | Compare |
| Sunbury | 9,643 | $48,509 | $98,000 | Compare |
| Bala Cynwyd | 9,622 | $144,453 | $628,400 | Compare |
| Lititz | 9,599 | $82,861 | $264,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Bristol, PA is 9,874 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol, PA is $70,595 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol, PA is $236,400, which is 3% 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, PA is $1,281, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bristol?
The unemployment rate in Bristol, PA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bristol, PA a good place to live?
Bristol offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,874 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bristol, PA?
23.2% 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, PA: median home value is $236,400 (3% below national), median rent is $1,281/month, and median household income is $70,595. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bristol?
The poverty rate in Bristol, PA is 7.0%, 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, PA?
Bristol's population is 3.7% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 4.0% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.