Median Income
$81,656
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$202,900
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,258/100K
231% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,073
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.2%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bristol Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,903
Median Age30.7 yrs
Density358/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,656
Per Capita$32,167
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$20,586M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,900
Rent$1,073
Ownership81.2%
Zillow$329,799
Housing Units870
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,258/100K
Property4,445/100K
Health
Obesity45.2%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking20.0%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation769 ft (234 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+12.1%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations10
Libraries11
Is Bristol a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bristol receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Bristol offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bristol is $81,656, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bristol is $202,900, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,073 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,258 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,445 per 100,000, 127% above the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bristol experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.9 inches, including 45.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bristol has a population of 1,903 with a density of 358 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 30.7 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (80.5%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.7% of residents, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.7yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.7%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.3%
7% above US avg
The median household income in Bristol is $81,656, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,167 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,293 business establishments, including 426 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,656 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,434 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,293 |
| County GDP | $20,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 426 |
| Healthcare | 404 |
| Retail | 716 |
| Manufacturing | 835 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Bristol is $202,900, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,799, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,073 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 870 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $4,493 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,900 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $329,799 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $205 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.0% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,073 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.8% |
| Housing Units | 870 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Bristol, 45.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,049. The dentist ratio is 1:2,434. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bristol vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.2% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,049 |
| Dentists | 1:2,434 |
| Mental Health | 1:558 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,847/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 1,258 per 100,000 residents, 231% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,445 per 100,000, 127% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 39 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bristol receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bristol vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,257.6/100K |
| 231% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,444.6/100K |
| 127% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 39 |
| Traffic Accidents | 43 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bristol experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.9 inches. The area receives 45.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 769 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 769 ft (234 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 358/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7186°N, 85.8247°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Elkhart County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Bend International (SBN)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.9"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0446 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
66 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
441 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 143 fatalities, 1,817 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
30 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
15 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
23 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
65 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
44 km |
5 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
88 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Bristol has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Bristol. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristol
What is the population of Bristol?
Bristol has a population of 1,903 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 358 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Bristol expensive to live in?
Bristol is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $81,656, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,900 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,073 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bristol safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bristol, with a violent crime rate of 1,258 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,445 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bristol receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bristol?
Bristol has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.9 inches, with 45.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bristol?
The job market in Bristol is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 5,293 business establishments in the area, including 426 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol is $202,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,799. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,073. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,493.
How are the schools in Bristol?
Schools in Bristol score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Bristol hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 12.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bristol?
The obesity rate in Bristol is 45.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,049.
What is transportation like in Bristol?
The average commute in Bristol is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bristol?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol is 80.5% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 85.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
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