Bristol, VA
Population 17,024 · Virginia
About Bristol, VA
Bristol is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 17,024 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,706 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 $168,700, which is 31% 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 $775, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,654 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (4,627 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,700 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 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bristol have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.9% 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 1.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bristol, VA
Compared to national averages, Bristol has a median household income of $44,706 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,700, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Bristol's income is 49% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 48% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Bristol, VA?
Bristol offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,706) 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 17,024 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Bristol with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Bristol
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollins | 17,005 | $73,588 | $227,900 | Compare |
| Manassas Park | 16,923 | $100,668 | $381,200 | Compare |
| Bon Air | 17,302 | $97,620 | $329,200 | Compare |
| Bull Run CDP (Prince William County), Virginia | 16,688 | $86,487 | $378,800 | Compare |
| Glen Allen | 16,630 | $96,085 | $338,000 | Compare |
| Kingstowne | 17,436 | $150,114 | $613,300 | Compare |
| Burke Centre | 17,447 | $159,932 | $615,400 | Compare |
| Idylwood | 17,469 | $118,443 | $708,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Bristol, VA is 17,024 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol, VA is $44,706 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol, VA is $168,700, which is 31% 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, VA is $775, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bristol?
The unemployment rate in Bristol, VA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bristol, VA a good place to live?
Bristol offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,024 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bristol, VA?
23.9% 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, VA: median home value is $168,700 (31% below national), median rent is $775/month, and median household income is $44,706. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bristol?
The poverty rate in Bristol, VA is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bristol, VA?
Bristol's population is 1.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 6.7% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.