Median Income
$60,972
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$192,900
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
196/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,270
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.8%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Bristol Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,157
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density538/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,972
Per Capita$30,245
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$4,296M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$192,900
Rent$1,270
Ownership58.8%
Zillow$386,001
Housing Units940
Rent Burden31.5%
Crime
F
Violent196/100K
Property1,603/100K
Murder32.7/100K
Assault33/100K
Burglary229/100K
Health
Obesity28.8%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.5%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain40.2 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation805 ft (245 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Bristol a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bristol receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $60,972, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bristol is $192,900, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,270 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bristol is below the national average at 196 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,603 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bristol has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Bristol has a population of 2,157 with a density of 538 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.2%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 18.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Bristol is $60,972, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,245 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,240 business establishments, including 240 restaurants. The cost of living index is 104.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,972 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,245 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,738 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,240 |
| County GDP | $4,296M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 240 |
| Healthcare | 144 |
| Retail | 301 |
| Manufacturing | 78 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $11,324 |
| 224% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 104.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Bristol is $192,900, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,001, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,270 (9% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,422 for a one-bedroom to $1,851 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 940 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $11,324 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $192,900 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $386,001 |
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $285,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $160 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,270 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,322 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,422 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,851 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.2% |
| Housing Units | 940 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $11,324 |
| 224% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.87% |
In Bristol, 28.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,079. The dentist ratio is 1:1,507. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bristol vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,079 |
| Dentists | 1:1,507 |
| Mental Health | 1:185 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,596/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 144 |
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 196 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 32.7 per 100,000, robbery at 32.7, rape at 98.1. The murder rate is 32.7 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,603 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,276, burglary at 229, vehicle theft at 98 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 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 | 196.3/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| Murder | 32.7/100K |
| 419% above US avg |
| Rape | 98.1/100K |
| Robbery | 32.7/100K |
| Assault | 32.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,602.9/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Burglary | 229.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,275.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 98.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bristol has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 805 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 805 ft (245 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 538/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6034°N, 71.7342°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Belknap County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eastern Slopes Regional (FRY) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.2"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0399 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M3.8 on Jan 27, 2025.
| Oct 16, 2012 |
5 km W of Hollis Center, Maine |
M4.7 |
87 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
77 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
72 km |
| Jan 27, 2025 |
9 km SE of York Harbor, Maine |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
6 km W of Hardwick, Massachusetts |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 |
1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.4 |
34 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
1 km NW of Hardwick, Massachusetts |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.2 |
33 km |
| Jan 10, 1999 |
2 km ENE of Merrimac, Massachusetts |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Jan 27, 2000 |
3 km WNW of Fremont, New Hampshire |
M3.0 |
81 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Jan 10, 1999 |
1 km NNE of Merrimac, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Jun 7, 2010 |
29 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
28 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Mar 9, 2008 |
25 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Sep 28, 2002 |
2 km N of Wilton, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
150 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
208 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
121 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 30 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1963 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1953 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2008 |
EF2 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 2002 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1997 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1976 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1973 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1972 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1969 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1968 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 1966 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1963 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1963 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Bristol has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 18°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.7 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.8").
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) |
$261 ($156–$417) |
| Specialist Visit |
$365 ($208–$573) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$208 ($104–$365) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,292 ($834–$5,210) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$135 ($78–$208) |
| Dental Filling |
$261 ($156–$417) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$125) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$625 ($417–$1,042) |
| Battery Replacement |
$208 ($104–$365) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$104 ($63–$156) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$94 ($52–$146) |
| HVAC Repair |
$417 ($156–$834) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,294 ($4,168–$12,504) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,042 ($417–$2,084) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,378 ($5,731–$15,630) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,563 ($521–$3,647) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,630 ($5,210–$31,260) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,210 ($2,084–$10,420) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,563 ($834–$3,126) |
| Will Preparation |
$521 ($208–$1,042) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,605 ($1,042–$5,210) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$104) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$156 ($78–$261) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$135) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.27 ($3.13–$5.73) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.65 ($2.61–$5.21) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.96 ($2.61–$5.73) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.69 ($3.13–$6.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.73 ($4.17–$7.82) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.04 ($0.63–$1.88) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$146 ($83–$261) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$156) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$125) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$104) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($31–$104) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($52–$156) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$208 ($78–$521) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,084 ($1,250–$3,647) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$135) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.34–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$104 ($31–$261) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,250 ($625–$2,605) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,042 ($521–$2,084) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$417 ($208–$729) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$104) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,042 ($417–$2,605) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,025 ($5,210–$31,260) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$104 ($52–$208) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$208 ($104–$417) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,245 |
| Toddler | $1,181 |
| Preschool | $1,035 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $858 |
| Toddler | $800 |
| Preschool | $800 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristol
What is the population of Bristol?
Bristol has a population of 2,157 residents and is located in New Hampshire. The population density is 538 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Bristol expensive to live in?
Bristol has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 104.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,972, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $192,900 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,270 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bristol safe?
Bristol is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 196 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,603 per 100,000 (below 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Bristol?
The job market in Bristol is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 2,240 business establishments in the area, including 240 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol is $192,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,001. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,270. Fair market rent is $1,422 for a 1-bedroom and $1,851 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.8%. The average annual property tax is $11,324.
How are the schools in Bristol?
Schools in Bristol score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.6% of adults in Bristol hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bristol?
The obesity rate in Bristol is 28.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,079.
What is transportation like in Bristol?
The average commute in Bristol is 27 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bristol?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol is 85.2% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.9% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.