Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.4%
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Bristow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population58
Median Age46.0 yrs
Density363/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$23,633
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$140M
Commute28 min
Housing
Ownership95.0%
Zillow$182,292
Housing Units45
Rent Burden27.5%
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured20.7%
Smoking16.4%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain23.2 in/yr
Elevation1,466 ft (447 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.4%
High School+97.1%
Graduate+26.5%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute28 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Bristow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bristow receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bristow offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bristow is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Education
29.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Bristow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.2 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow.
Bristow has a population of 58 with a density of 363 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 46.0 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.2% female and 63.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 3.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 79.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58
Total Population
2023 Census
46.0yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Bristow is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,633 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $711, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 92 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,633 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $711 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,049 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 92 |
| County GDP | $140M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,292. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 45 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.0% |
| Housing Units | 45 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Bristow, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 20.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bristow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.3% |
| Uninsured | 20.7% |
| 141% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,789 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,953/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Bristow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,466 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,466 ft (447 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 363/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8408°N, 98.5833°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.2"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.79"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
27 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
22 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
21 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
77 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
72 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
99 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
69 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
104 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
402 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 2 fatalities, 147 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2009 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
81 km |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,130 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
8 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
58 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Bristow has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristow
What is the population of Bristow?
Bristow has a population of 58 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 363 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.2% female and 63.8% male.
Is Bristow expensive to live in?
Bristow is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Bristow?
Bristow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 23.2 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bristow?
The job market in Bristow is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $711. There are 92 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Bristow?
Schools in Bristow score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.4% of adults in Bristow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. 26.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bristow?
The obesity rate in Bristow is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 20.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789.
What is transportation like in Bristow?
The average commute in Bristow is 28 minutes. 91.7% 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 94.8% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 8.6% of residents have a disability. 79.3% have health insurance coverage.