Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,700
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$738
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Bristol Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population245
Median Age52.4 yrs
Density471/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$34,990
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$381M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,700
Rent$738
Ownership80.2%
Zillow$218,842
Housing Units146
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property2,215/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking16.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,788 ft (545 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.1%
Libraries2
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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.3% 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 $61,700, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bristol is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bristol has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Bristol has a population of 245 with a density of 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 52.4 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 6.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.4yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Bristol is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,990. The average weekly wage is $863, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 268 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,990 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $863 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,519 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 268 |
| County GDP | $381M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,400 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Bristol is $61,700, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,842, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 146 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,400 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,700 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,842 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $738 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.8% |
| Housing Units | 146 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,400 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.75% |
In Bristol, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707. The dentist ratio is 1:5,479. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bristol vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,707 |
| Dentists | 1:5,479 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,776/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,215 per 100,000, 13% above the U.S. average. Overall, Bristol receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bristol vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.2/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,215.4/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bristol has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,788 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,788 ft (545 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 471/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3438°N, 97.7450°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Day County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.0"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
119 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
85 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
414 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 55 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1999 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DANIELSON (1,682 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
45 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
11 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
35 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
85 km |
| 1997 |
ROBIN HOOD |
542 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Bristol has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and December the driest (0.5").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristol
What is the population of Bristol?
Bristol has a population of 245 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 471 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Bristol expensive to live in?
Bristol is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,700 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, 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 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Bristol?
Bristol has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $863. There are 268 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol is $61,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,842. For renters, the median monthly rent is $738. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,400.
How are the schools in Bristol?
Schools in Bristol score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Bristol hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bristol?
The obesity rate in Bristol is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707.
What is transportation like in Bristol?
The average commute in Bristol is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bristol?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol is 92.2% White, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
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