Choose Country

Bristow, IA

Iowa

Bristow is a small town in Iowa with a population of 173.

1.3 /5.0
F Poor
173 Population 184/sq mi density
$54,400 Home Value
$375 Median Rent 17.5% income on rent
47°F Avg Temperature 260 sunny days/yr
F
Overall
1.3 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Education
1.3 / 5.0
3.7% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $54,400
81% 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

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$31,434
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$705M
Commute22 min

Housing

Home Value$54,400
Rent$375
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units101
Rent Burden17.5%

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 Score5.73

Community

2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute22 min
Broadband80.0%
Libraries8

Is Bristow a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Bristow receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. 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.

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 5.7/10.

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. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (100%).

Population

173
Total Population
184
People / sq mi
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
0.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 37.6%
Female 62.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Bristow vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Bristow vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Bristow is N/A. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.

Income: Bristow vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$31,434
Avg Weekly Wage$1,023
IRS Avg AGI$72,290

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.7%
81% below US avg
Poverty Rate8.9%
28% below US avg
Establishments (County)424
County GDP$705M

Business (County)

Restaurants19
Healthcare28
Retail44
Manufacturing27

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,327
5% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate6.12%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time21.7 min
Drive Alone84.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Bristow is $54,400, 81% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $375 (68% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$54,400
81% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$375
68% below US avg
Rent Burden17.5%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$738
1 Bedroom$788
2 Bedrooms$989
3 Bedrooms$1,282
4 Bedrooms$1,420

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied85.0%
Housing Units101
Median Year Built1940

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$3,327
5% below US avg
Effective Rate6.12%
In Bristow, 41.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. 19.6% are current smokers. 23.6% report depression. 28.9% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Bristow vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.7%
30% above US avg
Diabetes10.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
High Blood Pressure33.7%
Asthma10.8%
COPD7.7%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking19.6%
40% above US avg
Binge Drinking23.3%
Physical Inactivity28.9%
Depression23.6%
Mental Distress19.8%
Physical Distress14.0%
Short Sleep34.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate99.4%
Uninsured8.1%
6% below US avg
Checkup Rate75.2%
Dental Visits59.7%
Premature Death5,243/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.9/10
Exercise Access60.9%
Healthcare Facilities28
Bristow has an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 35.4 inches. The area enjoys 260 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Temperature

16°F Jan (-9°C) 73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average46.7°F
14% below US avg
January Average16°F (-9°C)
July Average73°F (23°C)
Sunny Days260 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall35.4 inches
7% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median43.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,035 ft (315 m)
Area0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²)
Population Density184/sq mi
Coordinates42.7738°N, 92.9079°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
County FIPS19023
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent. 3.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (89% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 45.4-point margin. 80.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 72.1%
D 26.7%

Winner: Republican by 45.4 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+3.7%
89% below US avg
High School+86.7%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score5.73
F Education Grade (1.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 8Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent
Population Density184/sq mi
Total Area0.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access80.0%
Public Libraries8
Healthcare Facilities28
Restaurants19
Retail Stores44

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)1

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute21.7 min
Drive Alone84.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Nearby Cities

Allison, IA 1,028 pop · 5.9 mi Greene, IA 1,390 pop · 10.0 mi Clarksville, IA 1,248 pop · 12.2 mi Aplington, IA 1,012 pop · 13.3 mi Hampton, IA 4,311 pop · 15.2 mi Parkersburg, IA 1,747 pop · 15.3 mi Ackley, IA 1,554 pop · 17.0 mi Shell Rock, IA 1,634 pop · 17.1 mi Sheffield, IA 1,204 pop · 17.1 mi Nashua, IA 1,634 pop · 22.2 mi Waverly, IA 10,446 pop · 22.5 mi Charles City, IA 7,321 pop · 23.3 mi Janesville, IA 1,012 pop · 24.3 mi Iowa Falls, IA 5,062 pop · 25.3 mi
Compare Bristow with another city: