countyscore
41.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.4Lawn Care 82.4Weather & Climate 74.7

County Report Card

About Bristol city, Virginia

Bristol City Faces National Headwinds

Bristol City currently holds a composite score of 41.6, trailing the national median of 50.0. While the city offers specific benefits, it sits in the lower half of the national ranking for overall livability.

Working to Close the State Gap

The city’s score of 41.6 is below the Virginia state average of 50.9. Local leaders continue to address economic factors to bring the city in line with the broader Commonwealth's performance.

High Environmental Resilience

Bristol city earns an excellent Risk Score of 91.4, indicating it is very well-protected against environmental hazards. It also maintains moderate affordability with a Cost Score of 56.2 and median rents of $775.

Economic and Safety Improvements

The city struggles with an Income Score of 7.0 and a Safety Score of 7.6. Median household incomes currently stand at $44,706, highlighting a need for more robust local economic opportunities.

Suited for Resilient Urban Pioneers

Bristol City appeals to those looking for a very low-risk environmental setting and affordable housing. It is a work-in-progress city that suits residents who are less dependent on high local wages or perfect safety ratings.

Score breakdown

Tax56Cost56.2Safety7.6Health37.5Schools48.8Income7Risk91.4WaterComing SoonWeather74.7
🏛56
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤74.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱82.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

Santa Cruz County
California
Median income: $109,266
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Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
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Median income: $84,185
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Martin County
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Coweta County
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Webster County
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Lincoln County
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Queens County
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Lampasas County
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Median income: $76,919
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Nearby counties

Washington County
Virginia
58.3
Sullivan County
Tennessee
52.8
Russell County
Virginia
61.3
Johnson County
Tennessee
61.5
Carter County
Tennessee
44.7
Scott County
Virginia
53.8
Washington County
Tennessee
54.9
Norton city
Virginia
47.5

Deep Dives

Bristol city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bristol city

via TaxByCounty

Bristol's taxes highest in region

At 0.767%, Bristol city has the highest effective tax rate among the eight counties analyzed and exceeds the national median of 0.96%. The median property tax of $1,294 reflects the combination of high rates and lower home values.

Bristol well above Virginia average

Bristol's 0.767% rate is notably higher than Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking in the upper tier of state localities. The median tax of $1,294 is about 34% below the state median of $1,960.

Steepest effective rate in the region

Bristol's 0.767% rate substantially exceeds every other county analyzed, including Botetourt (0.655%) and Bland (0.552%). On a median home value of $168,700, Bristol residents face the highest effective tax burden in this eight-county comparison.

What homeowners pay annually

On Bristol's median home value of $168,700, the typical annual property tax bill is $1,294. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,315, while those owning outright pay $1,252.

Assessment appeals matter more here

With the region's highest effective tax rate, Bristol homeowners should prioritize reviewing their assessments for accuracy. Even a 10% assessment reduction could save several hundred dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bristol city

via CostByCounty

Bristol's housing affordability challenge

Bristol city's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% exceeds the 30% affordability ceiling and significantly outpaces the national norm. With a median income of only $44,706—40% below the national average—Bristol renters face genuine housing stress despite below-average nominal rent of $775.

Struggling among Virginia's housing markets

Bristol's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Virginia's worst, topping the state average of 18.6% by over two percentage points. The city's median income of $44,706 is the lowest in this analysis, making even modest rents like $775 feel burdensome for working households.

Weakest income in the southwest

Bristol's median income of $44,706 trails rural neighbors Bland ($61,375), Buchanan ($42,216), and Brunswick ($52,978) significantly, creating outsized rent burden. Though rents are modest at $775, the low local wages mean housing consumes a larger share of household budgets than in wealthier regions.

Low wages, tight housing budgets

Renters pay $775 monthly (20.8% of income) while homeowners pay $879 (23.6% of income), both exceeding the comfortable 15% threshold. With median income at just $44,706 and median home value at $168,700, Bristol households are stretched thin balancing housing costs against other living expenses.

Bristol: requires careful financial planning

Bristol city's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio and median income of $44,706 signal genuine affordability challenges for renters and buyers. If considering relocation here, prioritize securing employment with wages significantly above the local median—otherwise, housing will consume an outsized portion of your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bristol city

via IncomeByCounty

Bristol faces significant national income shortfall

Bristol city's median household income of $44,706 falls roughly $30,000 short of the national median of $74,755. This is the lowest income among the eight studied Virginia communities and reflects deep economic stress.

Lowest earner among Virginia communities

At $44,706, Bristol's median household income trails Virginia's state average of $74,957 by nearly 40%. Bristol ranks among the lowest-income places in the Commonwealth, signaling urgent need for economic revitalization.

Economic isolation in Southwest Virginia

Bristol ($44,706) earns dramatically less than nearby rural counties like Bland ($61,375) and Bath ($61,709), indicating city-specific economic decline. The disparity suggests that regional growth has bypassed Bristol's core, concentrating poverty in the urban center.

Housing costs consume Bristol household budgets

Bristol's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% is the highest among these eight counties, leaving less room for savings or basic needs. With a median home value of $168,700, even this lower price point stretches household resources, limiting wealth-building options.

Build resilience through conservative planning

Bristol residents face real affordability pressures that require disciplined budgeting and outside support. Seek local nonprofit financial coaching, explore low-cost banking options, and prioritize emergency savings—even small amounts—to build a financial safety net.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bristol city

via CrimeByCounty

Bristol city faces higher than average crime

Bristol city reports a total crime rate of 3028.9 per 100,000 residents, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. The city currently holds a safety score of 95.2.

Safety levels trail Virginia state averages

Bristol's safety score of 95.2 is lower than the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate is nearly double the state average of 1728.8, indicating a need for higher awareness.

Comparing Bristol to regional safety trends

Data for Bristol comes from a single reporting agency, so statistics should be interpreted with caution. However, the city currently shows higher incident rates than many surrounding rural counties.

Property crime significantly impacts local rates

The property crime rate in Bristol is 2659.1, which is higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime matches the national rate exactly at 369.8 per 100,000 residents.

Strengthening home defense in Bristol

With elevated property crime rates, residents should consider comprehensive security systems including cameras and alarms. Collaborative neighborhood watch programs can also help lower incident rates over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bristol city

via HealthByCounty

Bristol faces alarming life expectancy crisis

Bristol city's life expectancy of 71.7 years trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.7 years—a dramatic 6% shortfall. Over 1 in 5 residents (21.2%) report poor or fair health, signaling widespread health challenges across the population.

Among Virginia's lowest life expectancies

Bristol city's 71.7-year life expectancy falls 3.4 years below Virginia's 75.1-year average, ranking it among the state's most struggling communities. This gap reflects systemic barriers to health and wellness that require urgent attention.

Lowest life expectancy in Appalachian peer group

Bristol city's 71.7-year life expectancy significantly lags nearby mountain counties like Buchanan (69.4 years—lower still)—but is substantially worse than Augusta (78.0 years). The city does have strong mental health provider capacity at 137 per 100,000 residents, though 65 primary care providers per 100,000 may be insufficient for the community's needs.

Uninsured rates match state average

Bristol city's 7.9% uninsured rate matches Virginia's average, yet the underlying health crisis suggests that insurance alone is not solving access barriers. With 65 primary care providers per 100,000, capacity for preventive care may be constrained, contributing to the reliance on crisis mental health services.

Get covered and find primary care

If you're uninsured in Bristol, healthcare.gov is your first step to affordable coverage. Look for plans that include strong primary care networks—preventive medicine and routine check-ups are crucial to improving Bristol's health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bristol city

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Education in Bristol City

Bristol City manages an educational network of eight public schools, featuring four elementary, one middle, and one high school. Two districts serve the area, supporting a total enrollment of 2,194 students. This city-based system also includes two alternative schools to address specialized student needs.

Investment in Urban Learning Environments

Bristol City spends $9,544 per pupil, which is well above the Virginia state average of $7,941. Although the graduation rate of 82.0% trails the national average of 87.0%, the city's school score of 54.8 perfectly matches the state average. This suggests that despite localized challenges, the schools are maintaining standards equivalent to state benchmarks.

The Heart of Bristol City Public Schools

Bristol City Public Schools is the dominant district, overseeing seven schools and all 2,194 active students. The city does not feature any charter schools, relying on its main public district and alternative project sites for all education services. This centralized urban district provides a cohesive educational path from elementary through high school.

Uniform Suburban Learning Experiences

Every school in Bristol City is located in a suburban locale, providing a consistent environment for the student population. Virginia High is the largest school with 637 students, while Washington-Lee Elementary is much smaller with 224 students. The average school size is 366 students, offering a moderately sized setting that balances resources with community access.

Suburban Living Near Dedicated Schools

Bristol City offers a suburban lifestyle with a school system that receives higher-than-average per-pupil funding from the state. Families can benefit from the city's centralized educational structure and various specialized learning options. Explore neighborhoods near Virginia High for a home that places your family at the center of this active urban community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bristol city

via RiskByCounty

Bristol ranks among America's safest cities

Bristol's composite risk score of 8.62 places it in the lowest tier nationally, earning a 'Very Low' rating that dramatically underperforms the national average. This exceptional standing reflects the city's mountainous Appalachian location and distance from major hurricane and flood corridors. Few jurisdictions nationwide match Bristol's natural disaster protection.

Virginia's safest incorporated city

Bristol's score of 8.62 is less than 26% of Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the state's most resilient communities overall. This distinction means residents enjoy substantially lower property risk and associated insurance costs compared to statewide residents. Bristol's protected position is genuinely distinctive in Virginia.

Bristol anchors the state's safest region

Bath County (5.38), Bland County (13.04), and Botetourt County (18.10) share Bristol's exceptional low-risk profile, creating a haven in southwestern Virginia. Augusta County (68.61) eastward and Buchanan County (50.60) nearby show substantially higher exposure. Bristol's pocket of protection is part of a regionally distinctive pattern.

Earthquake exposure tops a minimal profile

Bristol's highest risk category—earthquake at 59.54—remains below state average, while hurricane (33.17), flood (23.12), and tornado (16.51) exposures all score low. Wildfire risk (0.64) is negligible, nearly nonexistent. This represents one of Virginia's most balanced and thoroughly protective hazard profiles.

Basic homeowners insurance provides solid protection

Bristol's exceptional low-risk standing means standard homeowners insurance typically suffices without specialized riders or additional coverage. Confirm your policy limits reflect current home values and reconstruction costs, and review coverage annually as your property appreciates. Even in very safe areas, solid insurance fundamentals matter.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Bristol city

via SoilByCounty

Urban landscapes in Bristol

As an independent city, Bristol's soil data is limited due to the prevalence of developed land. Local soil typically follows the regional trend of the Appalachian Valley, though direct pH measurements are not available in this survey. Understanding the urban soil context is key for local planning.

Managed and modified surfaces

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for the city's urbanized footprint. Much of the ground in Bristol consists of 'urban land' complexes where native profiles have been altered by construction. Gardeners should test their specific backyard soil to identify their unique mix.

Building fertility in city plots

With organic matter and water capacity data unavailable, Bristol residents should look to regional benchmarks for guidance. Virginia averages suggest a starting point of 2.90% organic matter, but city soils often vary significantly based on site history. Adding local compost is the best way to ensure high growing potential.

Navigating urban water flow

While Bristol does not have a formal soil score in this dataset, urban hydrology is dominated by runoff and drainage systems. Natural infiltration is often limited by impervious surfaces like roads and buildings. Residents should focus on raised beds or permeable landscaping to manage water effectively.

Urban gardening in Zone 7a

Bristol's 7a climate is well-suited for container gardening and small-space vegetable production. Herbs, peppers, and tomatoes grow excellently in the city's temperate environment. Even with limited data, the climate is inviting for any aspiring urban gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bristol city

via LawnByCounty

Exceptional Lawn Ease in Bristol

Bristol city boasts an 82.4 lawn difficulty score, indicating it is much easier to maintain than the state average of 55.4. This Zone 7a city is one of the most favorable spots for lawn care in Virginia.

Perfect Moisture and Mild Heat

The city receives 47.3 inches of annual rain, well above the national median and the state average. With only 7 extreme heat days, turf is rarely stressed by the intense temperatures found elsewhere in the state.

Site-Specific Soil Care Needed

While comprehensive soil data is unavailable for the city, regional soils are typically acidic. We recommend a local soil test to determine if your specific yard needs lime or other nutritional amendments.

Low Drought Impact in the City

Bristol experienced only one week of drought over the past year, showing incredible moisture resilience. Although 100% of the city is currently abnormally dry, history suggests this is a temporary and mild condition.

Standard 7a Grasses Flourish Here

Tall fescue is a reliable choice for the city's climate and consistent rainfall. Without the extreme heat seen in other counties, you have a wide window for successful seeding in both spring and fall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bristol city's county score?
Bristol city, Virginia has a composite county score of 41.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bristol city rank among counties in Virginia?
Bristol city ranks #107 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Bristol city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Bristol city is $1,294, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Bristol city a tax score of 56/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bristol city?
The median household income in Bristol city, Virginia is $44,706 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bristol city earns an income score of 7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bristol city, Virginia a good place to live?
Bristol city scores 41.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #107 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Bristol city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bristol city with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.