Bristol County, Rhode Island Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bristol County is located in Rhode Island with a total population of 50,568. It is the 5th most populous county out of 5 in Rhode Island.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bristol County is 44.1 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 40.5 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bristol County is $110,926. This is 28% higher than the state median of $86,372. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 41% higher. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%. This is 38% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.9%. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. This is 46% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $468,000. Housing costs are 27% higher than the state median of $368,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 63.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bristol County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.0%. The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 5.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.0%) is well below the state average of 17.1%.

Education

51.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% higher than the state rate of 37.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.5%. Notably, 24.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.