Bristol, Virginia Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Bristol, Virginia is 17,024 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 79th-largest city in Virginia. The median household income is $44,706, the median home value is $168,700, and the median age is 42.6.

The population has declined 8.2% since 2010 (17,766 → 16,316).

17,024

Population

1323

People / sq mi

$44,706

Median Income

$168,700

Median Home Value

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Bristol covers 12.9 sq mi of land at 1323 people per square mile.

About Bristol, VA

Bristol is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 57.9% of the population. With 17,024 residents, Bristol is a city in Virginia.

Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $44,706, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.7%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $168,700, with typical rent around $775.

College attainment is 23.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 11.2%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.

The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Bristol, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.

Bristol city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Bristol city had a population of 17,766 in 2010 and 16,316 in 2024, a -8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,766 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.60%.

Bristol city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

16,316

Population (2024)

17,766

Population (2010)

17,766

Peak (2010)

-0.60%

Avg Annual Growth

Year	Population	Change	Annual %	Source
2010	17,766	-	-	estimate
2011	17,717	-49	-0.28%	estimate
2012	17,692	-25	-0.14%	estimate
2013	17,386	-306	-1.73%	estimate
2014	17,191	-195	-1.12%	estimate
2015	17,146	-45	-0.26%	estimate
2016	17,088	-58	-0.34%	estimate
2017	16,880	-208	-1.22%	estimate
2018	16,685	-195	-1.16%	estimate
2019	16,762	+77	+0.46%	estimate
2020	17,303	+541	+3.23%	estimate
2021	17,074	-229	-1.32%	estimate
2022	16,884	-190	-1.11%	estimate
2023	16,668	-216	-1.28%	estimate
2024	16,316	-352	-2.11%	estimate

Race & Ethnicity

White	85.9%
Black or African American	6.7%
Asian	0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	0.8%
Two or More Races	0.1%

Economy & Income

$44,706

Median Household Income

$29,646

Per Capita Income

14.7%

Poverty Rate

2.4%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$168,700

Median Home Value

$775

Median Rent

63.1%

Owner-Occupied

Education

89.6%

High School+

23.9%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.1%

Drive Alone

79.1%

Public Transit

11.2%

Work From Home

18.4 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

57.9%

Foreign Born

97.7%

Non-English at Home

7.2%

Veterans

21.1%

With Disability

88.8%

Health Insurance

86.7%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management	22.4%
Manufacturing	13.4%
Education, Health Care & Social Services	13.1%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate	10.0%
Public Administration	6.6%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services	5.6%
Retail Trade	5.5%
Construction	4.4%
Information	3.9%
Transportation & Warehousing	1.0%
Agriculture & Mining	0.4%

Largest cities in Virginia

Virginia Beach (457,066)Chesapeake (251,153)Arlington (235,463)Norfolk (235,037)Richmond (227,595)Newport News (184,774)Alexandria (156,788)Hampton (137,334)Roanoke (98,677)Portsmouth (97,299)View all Virginia cities →

Largest counties in Virginia

Fairfax County (1,144,474)Prince William County (484,625)Virginia Beach city (457,066)Loudoun County (427,082)Chesterfield County (371,610)

Part of Virginia

Virginia demographic profile All Virginia data →

Metro areas in Virginia

Washington (6,263,796)Virginia Beach (1,782,590)Richmond (1,327,321)Roanoke (314,661)Kingsport (309,580)Lynchburg (262,716)Charlottesville (222,937)Blacksburg (181,605)All US metros →

City rankings

US Cities by Population Cities With Highest Median Income Expensive US Cities by Home Value Youngest US Cities by Median Age Racially Diverse US Cities Cities With Highest Rent Educated US Cities Cities With Highest Work From Home Rates Cheapest US Cities by Median Home Value Cities With Lowest Rent All rankings →

Frequently Asked Questions

Bristol, Virginia has a population of 17,024 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 79th-largest city in Virginia.

The median household income in Bristol, Virginia is $44,706, with 14.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Bristol, Virginia is $168,700, with median monthly rent at $775 and a homeownership rate of 63.1%.

The median age in Bristol, Virginia is 42.6 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

The population has declined 8.2% since 2010 (17,766 → 16,316).

Where to stay in Bristol

Visiting or relocating to Bristol, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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More from Virginia

Population 457,066

Population 251,153

Population 235,463

Population 235,037

Population 227,595

All cities in Virginia

Full rankings of Virginia cities by population

Virginia demographic profile

Statewide data for Virginia

Virginia demographics 2026 — complete guide

Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.