Bristol County, Rhode Island Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Rhode Island
The population of Bristol County, Rhode Island is 50,568 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Rhode Island. The median household income is $110,926, the median home value is $468,000, and the median age is 44.1.
The population of Bristol County has grown 0.7% since 2010 (49,817 → 50,145), a +0.05% annualized rate.
50,568
Population
+0.05%
Annual growth
2095
People / sq mi
$110,926
Median Income
$468,000
Median Home Value
Bristol County covers 24 sq mi of land at 2095.5 people per square mile.
About Bristol County, RI
Among US counties, Bristol County stands out first on household income: a median of $110,926, above the US median of $78,538. With 50,568 residents, Bristol County is a county in Rhode Island. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Rhode Island in the country, at #5 by population.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $110,926, above the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 4.2%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $468,000, with typical rent around $1,348.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 51.8% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 12.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Bristol County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Bristol County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bristol County had a population of 49,817 in 2010 and 50,145 in 2024, a 0.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 50,783 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.
50,145
Population (2024)
49,817
Population (2010)
50,783
Peak (2020)
0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,817 |
| 2011 | 49,238 |
| 2012 | 49,280 |
| 2013 | 49,266 |
| 2014 | 49,100 |
| 2015 | 49,159 |
| 2016 | 48,866 |
| 2017 | 48,787 |
| 2018 | 48,696 |
| 2019 | 48,527 |
| 2020 | 50,783 |
| 2021 | 50,778 |
| 2022 | 50,388 |
| 2023 | 50,358 |
| 2024 | 50,145 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.1
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $110,926+$24,554 vs state |
| Mean household income | $148,308 |
| Per-capita income | $58,817 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bristol County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.3%
Drive alone
4.8%
Carpool
74.3%
Public transit
12.7%
Work from home
25.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$468,000+$99,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,348
Median rent
73.3%
Homeownership rate
21,557
Total housing units
90.1%
Occupied
9.9%
Vacant
26.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.3%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
45.0%
Foreign-born
5.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.6%
With a disability
87.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
51.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Rhode Island
Other counties in Rhode Island
Part of Rhode Island
Metro areas in Rhode Island
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bristol County, Rhode Island has a population of 50,568 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Rhode Island. Population density is 2095 people per square mile.
The population of Bristol County has grown 0.7% since 2010 (49,817 → 50,145), a +0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bristol County, Rhode Island is $110,926, with mean (average) household income of $148,308 and per-capita income of $58,817. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bristol County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.4%), Black or African American (1.1%), 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 County, Rhode Island is 44.1 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Bristol County is $468,000 and median monthly rent is $1,348. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,557 total housing units, 9.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bristol County, Rhode Island is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Providence is among the largest cities associated with Bristol County, Rhode Island, with a population of 190,214.
More from Rhode Island
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Full rankings of Rhode Island counties
Statewide data for Rhode Island
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Rhode Island
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.