Median Income
$109,917
46% higher than US avg
Home Value
$288,800
2% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
104/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.7%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,213
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher 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
Population5,196
Median Age45.7 yrs
Density159/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$109,917
Per Capita$55,876
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$288,800
Rent$1,213
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$436,442
Housing Units2,183
Rent Burden17.2%
Crime
F
Violent104/100K
Property1,913/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking11.4%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation751 ft (229 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.7%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+11.8%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute27 min
Broadband94.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries13
Is Bristol a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bristol receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. 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 $109,917, which is significantly higher than the national average / 46% above $75,149. This places Bristol among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bristol is $288,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,213 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bristol is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,913 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bristol experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bristol has a population of 5,196 with a density of 159 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age is 45.7 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (96%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.7yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Bristol is $109,917, which is 46% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,876 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above 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 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $109,917 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $55,876 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Bristol is $288,800, 2% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $436,442, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,213 (4% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,183 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $288,800 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $436,442 |
| Median List Price | $469,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $469,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $207 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 37.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,213 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,183 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Bristol, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bristol vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,913 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 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 | 103.6/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,913.1/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bristol experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 751 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 751 ft (229 m) |
| Area | 9.0 sq mi (23.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 159/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5323°N, 88.0091°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 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 Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
48 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 103 fatalities, 2,126 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
99 km |
29 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
83 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1998 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
13 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 |
131 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
21 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Bristol has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.3").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristol
What is the population of Bristol?
Bristol has a population of 5,196 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 159 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Bristol expensive to live in?
Bristol is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $109,917, 46% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $288,800 (2% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,213 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bristol safe?
Bristol is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 104 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,913 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bristol?
Bristol has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol is $288,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $436,442. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,213. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Bristol?
Schools in Bristol score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.7% of adults in Bristol hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bristol?
The obesity rate in Bristol is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Bristol?
The average commute in Bristol is 27 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bristol?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bristol is 96% White. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.