ConnecticutPop. 61,462Smaller cities
Is Bristol a Good Place to Live? Bristol, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bristol ranks #272 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #135 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (53 per 100,000, #12 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Bristol by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bristol's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bristol?
Bristol's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,338/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $350,637, 22% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Bristol | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 99.8#637 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $350,637#518 of 1,187 | $450,873 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,709/mo#517 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $277,800#467 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,338/mo#577 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.3%#487 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bristol housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bristol is in the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Bristol safe?
Bristol recorded 53 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 84% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #32 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bristol Police Department. Property crime runs 647 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bristol | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 53#32 of 1,085 | 110 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 647#67 of 1,085 | 1,146 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bristol?
The median household in Bristol earns $79,076, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bristol | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $79,076#633 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.7%#553 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bristol?
The median resident of Bristol is 37.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #781 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bristol | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30.3%#781 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bristol's schools and health?
Bristol's 13 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $21,834 spent per pupil. 32.1% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bristol | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.6#234 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,834#128 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32.1%#551 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.1%#536 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,305 students are enrolled in Bristol's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bristol?
The average commute in Bristol is 23.7 minutes (Connecticut 27); 0.2% of workers take transit and 11.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bristol scores 10.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.5°F and winters 29.3°F, with 53.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bristol | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.7 min#652 of 1,312 | 27 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75% | 70.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.4% | 13.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.4#653 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36.3 | 17 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 39.1 | 18.3 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 46.6 | 25.9 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 59.5 | 36.1 | 4.3 |
| May | 70.4 | 46.8 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 56.6 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 83.7 | 62.1 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 82 | 60.2 | 5.1 |
| Sep | 75.3 | 52.5 | 5 |
| Oct | 63.3 | 40.8 | 5.7 |
| Nov | 52.1 | 32.2 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 41.4 | 24 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington.
| Measure | Bristol | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 53.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bristol?
Hartford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Naugatuck Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Bristol | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#790 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hartford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.026% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bristol compare with similar-size cities?
Bristol is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #135 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 61,462.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #272 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 | 23.7 min |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #246 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 | 26.1 min |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #955 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 | 23.9 min |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #177 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 | 19.5 min |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | #843 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data | 26.7 min |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #964 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 | 19.4 min |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #178 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 | 24.7 min |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #182 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 | 27.2 min |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #965 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 | 23.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bristol compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Bristol ranks #8 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 18% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Connecticut home.
| City | Rank in CT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #1 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 |
| Milford, CTPop. 51,023 | #2 | 69.3 | $111,201 | $1,882/mo | 71 |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #3 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #4 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #5 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #6 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #7 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #8 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 |
| Torrington, CTPop. 35,547 | #9 | 59.9 | $70,856 | $1,169/mo | 98 |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #10 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #11 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 |
| East Hartford, CTPop. 50,918 | #12 | 58.7 | $70,778 | $1,225/mo | 92 |
| Manchester, CTPop. 36,759 | #13 | 57.6 | $74,267 | $1,384/mo | county/metro |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #14 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #15 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 |
| New Britain, CTPop. 74,223 | #16 | 53.1 | $58,613 | $1,253/mo | 424 |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #17 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #18 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #19 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #20 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 |
All 20 Connecticut cities we track, by overall score. Connecticut statewide: median income $96,049, violent crime 109.6 per 100,000.
How is Bristol's score calculated?
Bristol scores 62.7 out of 100, #272 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Connecticut's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bristol. Similar-size median 55.5.
52.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bristol's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
98.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bristol. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bristol's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
77.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bristol's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
70.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bristol. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bristol. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bristol. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bristol's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
49.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
48.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bristol's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bristol has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bristol
Is Bristol, CT a good place to live?
Bristol ranks #272 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #135 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (53 per 100,000, #12 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Bristol?
Bristol's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,338/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $350,637, 22% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Bristol?
Bristol recorded 53 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 84% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #32 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bristol Police Department. Property crime runs 647 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bristol?
The median household in Bristol earns $79,076, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bristol?
Median rent in Bristol is $1,338/mo (Census), #577 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,709/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bristol?
The typical home value in Bristol is $350,637, up 5.8% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $277,800.
How are the public schools in Bristol?
Bristol's 13 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $21,834 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bristol?
The average commute is 23.7 minutes, #652 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bristol?
Bristol averages 50°F over the year, 70.5°F in summer and 29.3°F in winter, with 53.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bristol walkable?
Bristol scores 10.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bristol at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Naugatuck Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bristol?
Hartford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bristol?
Bristol has 61,462 residents. The median resident of Bristol is 37.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #781 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bristol compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Bristol ranks #8 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 18% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Bristol?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bristol's population of 61,462 are Parker, CO (#246 overall), Dearborn Heights, MI (#955 overall), Chapel Hill, NC (#177 overall), Palm Harbor, FL (#843 overall), and Springfield, OR (#964 overall). Bristol is #272.