Bristol County, Massachusetts Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Massachusetts
The population of Bristol County, Massachusetts is 578,436 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Massachusetts. The median household income is $84,198, the median home value is $421,800, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Bristol County has grown 7.2% since 2010 (549,175 → 588,593), a +0.50% annualized rate.
578,436
Population
+0.50%
Annual growth
1046
People / sq mi
$84,198
Median Income
$421,800
Median Home Value
Bristol County covers 553 sq mi of land at 1045.8 people per square mile.
About Bristol County, MA
What distinguishes Bristol County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 1,046 people per square mile. Bristol County is a county in Massachusetts with a population of 578,436. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Massachusetts in the country, at #6 by population.
The typical household earns $84,198 a year, above the US median of $78,538. About 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $421,800, with typical rent around $1,181.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.6%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.8%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Bristol County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Bristol County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bristol County had a population of 549,175 in 2010 and 588,593 in 2024, a 7.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 588,593 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.50%.
588,593
Population (2024)
549,175
Population (2010)
588,593
Peak (2024)
0.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 549,175 |
| 2011 | 549,355 |
| 2012 | 551,204 |
| 2013 | 552,495 |
| 2014 | 555,212 |
| 2015 | 557,104 |
| 2016 | 558,413 |
| 2017 | 561,449 |
| 2018 | 564,780 |
| 2019 | 565,096 |
| 2020 | 576,776 |
| 2021 | 579,729 |
| 2022 | 581,201 |
| 2023 | 585,053 |
| 2024 | 588,593 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.6% |
| Black or African American | 4.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $84,198$-17,143 vs state |
| Mean household income | $108,996 |
| Per-capita income | $43,752 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bristol County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.8%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
76.0%
Public transit
9.8%
Work from home
28.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$421,800$-104,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,181
Median rent
62.2%
Homeownership rate
244,166
Total housing units
95.1%
Occupied
4.9%
Vacant
37.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.0%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
17.9%
Foreign-born
5.5%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
78.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.2%
High School+
30.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Massachusetts
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County rankings
Common questions about Bristol County, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Bristol County, Massachusetts has a population of 578,436 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Massachusetts. Population density is 1046 people per square mile.
The population of Bristol County has grown 7.2% since 2010 (549,175 → 588,593), a +0.50% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bristol County, Massachusetts is $84,198, with mean (average) household income of $108,996 and per-capita income of $43,752. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bristol County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.6%), Black or African American (4.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bristol County, Massachusetts is 40.9 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Bristol County is $421,800 and median monthly rent is $1,181. 62.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 244,166 total housing units, 4.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bristol County, Massachusetts is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Boston is among the largest cities associated with Bristol County, Massachusetts, with a population of 663,972.
Bristol County, MA Climate
Bristol County, MA has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 1234 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.1°C
Avg Temp
1234
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 110 mm |
| February | -1° / 29° | 97 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 115 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 108 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 95 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 91 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 87 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 106 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 97 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 99 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 117 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 112 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 County, MA
The most comfortable months to visit Bristol County, MA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bristol County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.