Bristol, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
61,462
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,076/yr
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,369
-1.4% year-over-year change

Bristol population

How many people live in Bristol

Bristol is home to 61,462 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Bristol locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
61,462
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
31,090
Female
49.4%
30,372
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,090 50.6% 1.5%
Female 30,372 49.4% -0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bristol is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.6% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
29.6%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,901 16.1% 3.5%
15 to 24 8,462 13.8% 4.3%
25 to 44 18,176 29.6% 0.1%
45 to 64 14,943 24.3% -4.1%
Over 65 9,980 16.2% 2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bristol, 82.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.8% of locals are Caucasian, 7.9% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.5%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 50,654 82.4% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,662 12.5% -0.7%
Non-citizens 3,146 5.1% 30.5%
Racial breakdown
White
65.8%
Black or African American
7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
14.3%
Other
7.3%
Value Percent
White 40,434 65.8%
Black or African American 4,871 7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 246 0.4%
Asian 2,606 4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 36 0.1%
Two or more races 8,771 14.3%
Other 4,498 7.3%

Households in Bristol

A peek inside Bristol households

Bristol has 24,453 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.2% are families, while the remaining 36.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
24,453
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,995
Family households
15,458
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,995 36.8% -0.3%
Family households 15,458 63.2% -1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bristol

The housing landscape of Bristol

Bristol's housing consists of 26,369 units, with 55% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,369
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,507 55%
1 unit, attached 1,382 5.2%
2 units 2,244 8.5%
3 or 4 units 2,815 10.7%
5 to 9 units 1,532 5.8%
10 to 19 units 911 3.4%
20 to 49 units 1,156 4.4%
50 or more units 1,580 6%
Mobile home 242 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
78
178.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bristol

In Bristol, the median construction year is 1967. About 16.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,284 16.2% -6.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,218 8.4% 4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,777 14.3% -3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,940 14.9% 2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,051 15.4% -9.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,954 15% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,936 7.3% -2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,580 6% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 551 2.1% 25.5%
Built in 2020 or later 78 0.3% 178.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bristol occupancy rates

Out of the 24,453 occupied housing units in Bristol, 64.9% are owner-occupied, while 35.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,453
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,574
Owner occupied
15,879
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,574 35.1% -1.7%
Owner occupied 15,879 64.9% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bristol housing costs

Housing costs in Bristol come to a median of $1,500 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,338.

Median housing costs per month
$1,500/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bristol
$1,338/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bristol

Bristol education at a glance

About 38.9% of the population in Bristol went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 17.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,284 2.6% 1.8%
High school diploma 19,079 38.9% 5.8%
College diploma 10,074 20.5% -1.9%
Associate degree 4,903 10% -8.7%
Bachelor's degree 8,701 17.7% -2.7%
Graduate degree 5,059 10.3% -3.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bristol

How much people earn in Bristol

The average annual household income in Bristol was $96,954 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,076, reflecting a -5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bristol
$96,954/year
-2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bristol
$79,076/year
-5.2% year-over-year change

Bristol income by age

In Bristol, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,986. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,938 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,440, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,537 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,440 3.3%
25 - 44 $95,986 -1.0%
45 - 64 $105,938 1.6%
Over 65 $49,537 -3.3%
Above poverty level
53,560
Below poverty level
6,352
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 53,560 89.4% -2.2%
Below poverty level 6,352 10.6% 27.6%

Average renter income in Bristol

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bristol, their median household income was $44,861 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,861
Rent-to-income ratio
35.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bristol

Workforce and job types in Bristol

The job market in Bristol is powered by 32,365 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,365
-2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
24,610
Blue collar
7,755
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,610 76% -5.0%
Blue collar 7,755 24% 7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,608 8.1% 6.1%
Private companies 22,852 70.6% -1.6%
Governmental workers 4,515 14% -13.1%
Not for profit companies 2,390 7.4% 4.7%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
3.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bristol stands at 7.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bristol

How people get around in Bristol

Commuting methods vary: 85.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 27,094 85.4% -4.0%
Taxicab 155 0.5% 573.9%
Bus or trolleybus 51 0.2% -62.8%
Railroad 13 0% 30.0%
Ferryboat 2 0% -87.5%
Walk 578 1.8% 1.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bristol by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06010 61,684 24,509 $79,314 $97,170

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FAQs about Bristol demographics 

What is the total population of Bristol?

Bristol has a total population of 61,462 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bristol?

The gender ratio in Bristol is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (31,090 residents)
  • 49.4% females (30,372 residents)

What is the median age in Bristol?

The median age in Bristol is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bristol?

The age distribution in Bristol is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (9,901 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (8,462 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.6% (18,176 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (14,943 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.2% (9,980 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol is as follows:
  • White: 65.8% (40,434 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.9% (4,871 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (246 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (2,606 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (36 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.3% (8,771 residents)
  • Other: 7.3% (4,498 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bristol are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.4% of the population in Bristol.

How many housing units are there in Bristol?

There are 26,369 housing units in Bristol, reflecting a -1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bristol and what is the average household size?

Bristol has a total of 24,453 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bristol?

Bristol has a median household income of $79,076, representing a -5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bristol?

The employment rate is 92.7% in Bristol, with a workforce of 32,365 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76% (24,610 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24% (7,755 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (2,608 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (22,852 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (4,515 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (2,390 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025