Bristol, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,824
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$97,764/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,633
-1.7% year-over-year change

Bristol population

How many people live in Bristol

Bristol is home to 10,824 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Bristol locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
10,824
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
5,245
Female
51.5%
5,579
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,245 48.5% -0.2%
Female 5,579 51.5% -0.6%
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 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.8% are children under 15, then 19.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.5% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.8%
15 to 24
19.7%
25 to 44
21.5%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
22.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,170 10.8% -1.9%
15 to 24 2,131 19.7% -3.1%
25 to 44 2,323 21.5% 2.5%
45 to 64 2,721 25.1% -3.6%
Over 65 2,479 22.9% 3.7%
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, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.4% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.6%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,695 89.6% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 935 8.6% -15.8%
Non-citizens 194 1.8% 74.8%
Racial breakdown
White
90.6%
Black or African American
1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 9,806 90.6%
Black or African American 149 1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.1%
Asian 146 1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0%
Two or more races 494 4.6%
Other 215 2%

Households in Bristol

A peek inside Bristol households

Bristol has 4,253 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,253
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,801
Family households
2,452
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,801 42.4% 7.1%
Family households 2,452 57.6% 0.1%
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 4,633 units, with 57.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,633
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,679 57.8%
1 unit, attached 183 4%
2 units 636 13.7%
3 or 4 units 394 8.5%
5 to 9 units 183 4%
10 to 19 units 279 6%
20 to 49 units 105 2.3%
50 or more units 162 3.5%
Mobile home 11 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bristol

In Bristol, the median construction year is 1964. About 27.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,291 27.9% 13.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 285 6.2% 3.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 564 12.2% -2.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 465 10% -16.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 541 11.7% -25.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 569 12.3% -6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 348 7.5% 15.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 402 8.7% -1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 168 3.6% 30.2%
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 4,253 occupied housing units in Bristol, 66.1% are owner-occupied, while 33.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,253
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,440
Owner occupied
2,813
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,440 33.9% 13.8%
Owner occupied 2,813 66.1% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.2%
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 $1,764 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,579.

Median housing costs per month
$1,764/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
$1,579/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 25% of the population in Bristol went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 24.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 215 2.3% -12.6%
High school diploma 2,359 25% -2.2%
College diploma 2,399 25.5% -7.5%
Associate degree 671 7.1% 13.3%
Bachelor's degree 2,341 24.8% 8.5%
Graduate degree 1,439 15.3% 0.8%
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 $130,441 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $97,764, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bristol
$130,441/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bristol
$97,764/year
1.8% 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 $113,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $128,687 overall. Overall, 93.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $113,000 -1.4%
45 - 64 $128,687 2.7%
Over 65 $80,179 2.6%
Above poverty level
8,668
Below poverty level
610
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,668 93.4% 1.6%
Below poverty level 610 6.6% -11.8%

Employment in Bristol

Workforce and job types in Bristol

91.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,000
Blue collar
486
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,000 91.1% 0.9%
Blue collar 486 8.9% -7.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 464 8.5% -19.9%
Private companies 3,496 63.7% 1.5%
Governmental workers 886 16.2% 11.3%
Not for profit companies 640 11.7% -2.3%

Transportation in Bristol

How people get around in Bristol

Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.8% 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 4,145 87.7% -1.8%
Bus or trolleybus 36 0.8% 9.1%
Railroad 69 1.5% 72.5%
Motorcycle 20 0.4% 5.3%
Bicycle 86 1.8% N/A
Walk 368 7.8% -25.2%
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
02809 22,220 8,731 $97,764 $130,473

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FAQs about Bristol demographics 

What is the total population of Bristol?

Bristol has a total population of 10,824 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bristol?

The gender ratio in Bristol is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (5,245 residents)
  • 51.5% females (5,579 residents)

What is the median age in Bristol?

The median age in Bristol is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bristol?

The age distribution in Bristol is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.8% (1,170 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19.7% (2,131 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.5% (2,323 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (2,721 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.9% (2,479 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol is as follows:
  • White: 90.6% (9,806 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.4% (149 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (146 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (494 residents)
  • Other: 2% (215 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.6% of the population in Bristol.

How many housing units are there in Bristol?

There are 4,633 housing units in Bristol, reflecting a -1.7% 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 4,253 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bristol?

Bristol has a median household income of $97,764, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Bristol?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.1% (5,000 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.9% (486 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (464 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (3,496 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (886 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (640 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