Bristol, TN
Population 27,490 · Tennessee
About Bristol, TN
Bristol is a mid-sized city in Tennessee with a population of 27,490 residents. The median household income is $55,007 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Bristol is 41.9 years.
Housing in Bristol has a median home value of $182,500 and median monthly rent of $764. Of the 13,152 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 7,970 owner-occupied and 4,045 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Bristol is 7.2% and the poverty rate is 14.1%. 29.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.3 minutes.
How Bristol Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Bristol, TN
Compared to national averages, Bristol has a median household income of $55,007 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $182,500, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $764 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Bristol's income is 12% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 15% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Bristol, TN?
Bristol offers affordable housing with a median home value of $182,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $764/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,007) 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 27,490 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Bristol with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Bristol
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farragut | 24,309 | $142,402 | $513,100 | Compare |
| Shelbyville | 24,125 | $52,290 | $224,700 | Compare |
| Morristown | 30,983 | $44,811 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Oak Ridge | 32,088 | $71,000 | $233,500 | Compare |
| Maryville | 32,196 | $79,340 | $310,600 | Compare |
| East Ridge | 22,034 | $55,988 | $182,500 | Compare |
| Tullahoma | 20,672 | $60,855 | $228,800 | Compare |
| Cookeville | 35,544 | $48,501 | $263,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bristol
What is the population of Bristol, TN?
The population of Bristol, TN is 27,490 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol, TN is $55,007 per year.
What is the median home value in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol, TN is $182,500.
What is the average rent in Bristol?
The median monthly rent in Bristol, TN is $764.
What is the unemployment rate in Bristol?
The unemployment rate in Bristol, TN is 7.2%.