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%.
16,316
Population (2024)
17,766
Population (2010)
17,766
Peak (2010)
-0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,766 |
| 2011 | 17,717 |
| 2012 | 17,692 |
| 2013 | 17,386 |
| 2014 | 17,191 |
| 2015 | 17,146 |
| 2016 | 17,088 |
| 2017 | 16,880 |
| 2018 | 16,685 |
| 2019 | 16,762 |
| 2020 | 17,303 |
| 2021 | 17,074 |
| 2022 | 16,884 |
| 2023 | 16,668 |
| 2024 | 16,316 |
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
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
City 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).
Bristol city, VA Climate
Bristol city, VA has an average annual temperature of 12.3°C (54°F) and receives about 1117 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.3°C
Avg Temp
1117
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 85 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 88 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 101 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 94 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 107 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 100 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 117 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 96 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 88 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 77 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 81 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 83 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bristol city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Bristol city, VA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bristol
Visiting or relocating to Bristol, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.