Rhode Island / Bristol County

Moving to Bristol, RI

Thinking of making a move to Bristol, RI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bristol, RI

Considering a move to Bristol, RI? This welcoming community of 22,493 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $436,000 and average rents near $1,425. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Bristol's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Bristol, RI

Bristol has a population of 22,493 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
22,493
Density
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age
43.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
92.1%
Black
1.7%
Asian
1.2%
Others
5.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Bristol, RI?

The cost of living in Bristol is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 123.6. Median home values are around $436,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,425. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$436,000
Gross Rent
$1,425
Monthly Electricity Charges
$135
Auto Insurance
$1,710
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$725
State Taxes
Low: 3.75%| High: 5.99%
Cost Of Living Index
123.6
Grocery
111.4
Housing
142.2
Utilities
115.6
Transportation
116.5
Health Care
108.9
Miscellaneous
105.2

Crime

Is Bristol, RI a safe place to live?

Bristol is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 77 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 115. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Rhode Island.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
77
Property Crimes Per 100k
870
Crime Index
947
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,300
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 115

Weather

What is the weather like in Bristol, RI year-round?

Bristol experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 23°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
23°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $84,300 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 42% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,800
Household Income
$84,300
Family Income
$100,700
Per Capita Income
$43,300
Income Male
$51,500
Income Female
$44,000
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Non English Speakers
12.6%
Rent
$1,425
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Public Transport Usage
2.2%
Commute Time
25.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.5%
Bachelors or More
41.8%

Education

How are the schools in Bristol, RI?

Bristol offers quality education options, with public schools like Mt. Hope High School and Colt Andrews School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Roger Williams University and Salve Regina University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Mt. Hope High School
Street
199 Chestnut St
Phone
401-254-5980
Students
1,045
Student Teacher Ratio
13.1
Name
Colt Andrews School
Street
570 Hope St
Phone
401-254-5993
Students
410
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5

Private Schools

Name
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Street
127 State St
Phone
401-253-8455
Students
215

Colleges

Name
Roger Williams University
City
Bristol
State
RI
Distance
0 miles
Students
4,600
Name
Salve Regina University
City
Newport
State
RI
Distance
12 miles
Students
2,800

Healthcare

Bristol residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Newport Hospital and Bristol County Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.0 per 1,000 people and 95.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Newport Hospital
Address
11 Friendship St, Newport, RI 02840
Phone
(401) 846-6400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Bristol County Medical Center
Address
1180 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809
Phone
(401) 253-8900
Type
Multi-Specialty Clinic
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage
95.7%
Health Care Index
76.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bristol, RI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $436,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 71%. The market has seen a 7.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.0%. Bristol offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$436,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,425
Owner Occupied Rate
70.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.2%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Bristol handle vehicle services through the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Cranston. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Rhode Island
Department
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone
401-462-4368

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Bristol, RI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Bristol, review the core fields on this page: population 22,493, median home value $436,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,425, commute time 25.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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