Bristol, VT
Population 2,005 · Vermont
About Bristol, VT
Bristol is a small town located in Vermont with a population of 2,005 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,372 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.8 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 $298,200, which is 22% above 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 $1,290, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,009 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (667 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (304 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bristol shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bristol have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.2% of Bristol residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bristol Ranks in Vermont
Cost of Living in Bristol, VT
Compared to national averages, Bristol has a median household income of $71,372 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $298,200, which is 22% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,290 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within Vermont, Bristol's income is 2% below the state average of $72,974, and home values are 17% above the state median of $255,863.
Why Live in Bristol, VT?
Bristol offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 43.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,372) 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 2,005 with a median age of 49.8 years. Compare Bristol with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Vermont.
Similar Cities Near Bristol
Cities in Vermont with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor | 1,961 | $48,371 | $158,800 | Compare |
| Randolph | 1,946 | $59,203 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Manchester Center | 1,935 | $88,786 | $330,300 | Compare |
| Brandon | 1,892 | $54,138 | $218,800 | Compare |
| Arlington | 1,871 | $73,164 | $231,800 | Compare |
| West Rutland | 2,144 | $53,373 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Waterbury | 1,728 | $59,934 | $332,900 | Compare |
| Johnson | 1,668 | $48,355 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Vermont
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, VT?
The population of Bristol, VT is 2,005 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Vermont.
What is the median household income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol, VT is $71,372 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol, VT is $298,200, which is 22% above 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, VT is $1,290, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bristol?
The unemployment rate in Bristol, VT is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bristol, VT a good place to live?
Bristol offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,005 and a median age of 49.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bristol, VT?
43.2% of residents in Bristol aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bristol?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bristol, VT: median home value is $298,200 (22% above national), median rent is $1,290/month, and median household income is $71,372. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bristol?
The poverty rate in Bristol, VT is 11.7%, 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, VT?
Bristol's population is 3.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.