Bristol city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 87th-largest in Virginia
The population of Bristol city, Virginia is 17,024 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 87th-largest county 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 of Bristol city has declined 8.2% since 2010 (17,769 → 16,316), a -0.61% annualized rate.
17,024
Population
-0.61%
Annual growth
1323
People / sq mi
$44,706
Median Income
$168,700
Median Home Value
Bristol city covers 13 sq mi of land at 1322.7 people per square mile.
About Bristol city, VA
Bristol city is a county in Virginia with a population of 17,024. It ranks #87 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 42.6, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Bristol city is $44,706, below the US median of $74,580. 14.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $168,700, with monthly rent averaging $775. The homeownership rate of 63.1% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bristol city reflects 23.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.2% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.4 minutes each way.
Bristol city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bristol city had a population of 17,769 in 2010 and 16,316 in 2024, a -8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,769 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.60%.
16,316
Population (2024)
17,769
Population (2010)
17,769
Peak (2010)
-0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,769 |
| 2011 | 17,726 |
| 2012 | 17,706 |
| 2013 | 17,411 |
| 2014 | 17,225 |
| 2015 | 17,185 |
| 2016 | 17,140 |
| 2017 | 16,956 |
| 2018 | 16,835 |
| 2019 | 17,036 |
| 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% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
23.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 23.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,706$-46,268 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,955 |
| Per-capita income | $29,646 |
| Poverty rate | 14.7%+7.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bristol city is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
11.2%
Work from home
18.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,700$-192,000 vs state
Median home value
$775
Median rent
63.1%
Homeownership rate
8,654
Total housing units
84.7%
Occupied
15.3%
Vacant
36.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.8%
With health insurance
86.7%
With broadband internet
57.9%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
21.1%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.6%
High School+
23.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bristol city, Virginia has a population of 17,024 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 87th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 1323 people per square mile.
The population of Bristol city has declined 8.2% since 2010 (17,769 → 16,316), a -0.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bristol city, Virginia is $44,706, with mean (average) household income of $62,955 and per-capita income of $29,646. 14.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bristol city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.9%), Black or African American (6.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bristol city, Virginia is 42.6 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Bristol city is $168,700 and median monthly rent is $775. 63.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,654 total housing units, 15.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bristol city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Bristol city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
Statewide data for Virginia
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.