Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bristol, VA
Considering a move to Bristol, VA? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of 16,500, Bristol offers affordable living—median home prices are just $143,000 and average rents around $770. Enjoy short commute times (about 18 minutes), a mild climate with 56% sunny days, and easy access to healthcare at Bristol Regional Medical Center. While crime rates are a bit higher than average, residents appreciate the close-knit community, local schools, and proximity to beautiful Appalachian scenery. Explore Bristol’s cost of living, housing, and more to see if it’s right for your next chapter.
Demographics - Bristol, VA
Demographics - Bristol, VA
Bristol, VA is home to approximately 16,500 residents, with a median age of 45.2 and a population density of 1,200 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (89%) with a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a largely English-speaking, close-knit community.
Population:
16,500
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
5.6%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bristol, VA?
Living in Bristol is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 78.5 and median home values at $143,000. Residents benefit from low average rents around $770 and generally lower utility and transportation costs compared to national averages.
Median House Value:
$143,000
Gross Rent:
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
61.5
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
91.2
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Bristol, VA a safe place to live?
Bristol experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 262 violent crimes and 2,540 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of property crime is about 1 in 39, many residents value the city's community-focused atmosphere and take common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
262
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,540
Crime Index:
2,802
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 382
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Bristol, VA year-round?
Bristol offers a mild, four-season climate, with summer highs reaching 84°F and winter lows around 26°F. The city receives about 39.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, making it appealing for those who appreciate varied but moderate weather.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Local households in Bristol have a median income of about $41,800, with a poverty rate of 20.3%. Commute times average just over 18 minutes, and most residents rely on personal vehicles, reflecting the city’s small-town ease and accessibility.
Median Income:
$26,250
Household Income:
$41,800
Family Income:
$58,800
Per Capita Income:
$26,000
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
20.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$770
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
18.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.1%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Bristol, VA?
Bristol offers quality local education with public schools like Virginia High School and Van Pelt Elementary, featuring low student-teacher ratios. The area is also near higher education options, including Virginia Highlands Community College and King University, making it convenient for lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Virginia High School
Street:
650 Long Crescent Dr
Phone:
276-821-5858
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Name:
Van Pelt Elementary School
Street:
1817 Edgemont Ave
Phone:
276-821-5841
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Private Schools
Name:
Sullins Academy
Street:
22218 Sullins Academy Dr
Phone:
276-669-4101
Students:
185
Colleges
Name:
Virginia Highlands Community College
City:
Abingdon
State:
VA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,400
Name:
King University
City:
Bristol
State:
TN
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Bristol is served by the Bristol Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive care and emergency services. With about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to healthcare resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bristol Regional Medical Center
Address:
1 Medical Park Blvd, Bristol, TN 37620
Phone:
(423) 844-1121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bristol, VA?
The Bristol housing market is stable and budget-friendly, with a median home price of $143,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $770. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has seen a healthy annual home appreciation rate of 6.3%.
Median Home Price:
$143,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$770
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Bristol access vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with convenient online resources and a regional office located in Salem, VA. The DMV offers standard licensing, registration, and title services for drivers in the area.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2211 W. Main St, Salem, VA 24153
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
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.