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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 57.9% of the population. Bristol city is a county in Virginia with a population of 17,024.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $44,706, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 14.7%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $168,700, with typical rent around $775.
23.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 11.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Bristol city, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
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.