Home Value
$54,400
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.7%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$375
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Bristow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population173
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density184/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
Per Capita$31,434
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$705M
Commute22 min
Housing
Home Value$54,400
Rent$375
Ownership85.0%
Zillow$123,043
Housing Units101
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property1,521/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking19.6%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,035 ft (315 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.7%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute22 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Bristow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bristow receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bristow faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bristow is $54,400, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $375 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bristow is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,521 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
3.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bristow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bristow has a population of 173 with a density of 184 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.4% female and 37.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $31,434 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 424 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $31,434 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,290 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 424 |
| County GDP | $705M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,327 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bristow is $54,400, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,043, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $375 (68% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 101 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $3,327. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,400 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,043 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $375 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.0% |
| Housing Units | 101 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,327 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.12% |
In Bristow, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.3% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,166. The dentist ratio is 1:4,756. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bristow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,166 |
| Dentists | 1:4,756 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,362 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Bristow has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,521 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bristow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bristow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 253.5/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,521.0/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bristow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,035 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,035 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 184/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7738°N, 92.9079°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Butler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.4"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
654 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,177 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
25 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
81 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
17 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
61 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
5 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Bristow has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Bristow. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $600 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristow
What is the population of Bristow?
Bristow has a population of 173 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 184 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.4% female and 37.6% male.
Is Bristow expensive to live in?
Bristow is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $54,400 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $375 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Bristow safe?
Bristow is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,521 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bristow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bristow?
Bristow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bristow?
The job market in Bristow is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 424 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bristow?
The median home value in Bristow is $54,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,043. For renters, the median monthly rent is $375. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,327.
How are the schools in Bristow?
Schools in Bristow score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.7% of adults in Bristow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bristow?
The obesity rate in Bristow is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,166.
What is transportation like in Bristow?
The average commute in Bristow is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bristow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bristow is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
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