Bristol city, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bristol city is located in Virginia with a total population of 17,024. It is the 87th most populous county out of 133 in Virginia. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bristol city is 42.6 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. 10.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bristol city is $44,706. This is 51% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 43% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%. This is 84% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 2% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $168,700. Housing costs are 53% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 63.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% lower than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bristol city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.3% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 6.7%. The Black or African American population (6.7%) is well below the state average of 18.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.7%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 6.8%.

Education

23.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 41.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.5%.