countyscore
58.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.7Health 96.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Bristol County, Rhode Island

Bristol County Outperforms the National Average

Bristol County earns an impressive composite score of 58.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life that ranks in the upper tier of counties across the country.

A Top Performer in Rhode Island

With a composite score nearly 8.5 points higher than the state average of 50.1, Bristol leads the region in livability. It sets the pace for the state, offering a standard of living that few neighboring counties can match.

Exceptional Incomes and Health Outcomes

The county excels with a near-perfect income score of 97.7, supported by a high median household income of $110,926. This financial stability is complemented by a 96.3 health score and an excellent school score of 84.5.

Affordability Remains a Primary Hurdle

High demand drives the cost score down to 6.0, as residents face a median home value of $468,000. Additionally, the tax score of 17.8 reflects a significant effective tax rate of 1.385% on property.

The Ideal Choice for High-Earning Families

Bristol is a premier destination for families who prioritize safety, elite education, and wellness. It is best suited for those who can afford a higher price point for a top-tier community environment.

Score breakdown

Tax17.8Cost6Safety75.6Health96.3Schools84.5Income97.7Risk80.6Water86Weather58.7
🏛17.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤96.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.2
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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Nearby counties

Bristol County
Massachusetts
45
Newport County
Rhode Island
52.2
Kent County
Rhode Island
47.2
Providence County
Rhode Island
36.7
Washington County
Rhode Island
55.9
Plymouth County
Massachusetts
48.7
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
53.5
Norfolk County
Massachusetts
51.1

Deep Dives

Bristol County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bristol County

via TaxByCounty

Bristol pays nearly 3x the national average

Bristol County's effective tax rate of 1.385% is significantly higher than the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax here is $6,483—more than double the national median of $2,690—despite having a median home value only 66% higher than the nation's.

Second-highest tax burden in Rhode Island

Bristol County ranks second among Rhode Island's five counties in effective tax rate at 1.385%, surpassed only by Kent County at 1.468%. This exceeds the state average effective rate of 1.248% by 0.137 percentage points, contributing to Bristol's median property tax of $6,483 compared to the state average of $5,269.

Bristol homeowners pay more than most neighbors

Bristol's 1.385% effective rate sits between Newport County's 0.955% and Kent County's 1.468%, making it a middle-to-high tax area regionally. Despite having a median home value ($468,000) similar to Washington County ($469,800), Bristol residents pay $1,529 more annually in property taxes due to its higher tax rate.

Typical Bristol homeowner pays $6,483 yearly

On Bristol's median home value of $468,000, the effective tax rate of 1.385% translates to an estimated annual property tax of $6,483. For homeowners with mortgages, average taxes climb to $6,665, while those owning outright typically pay around $6,021.

Appeal your assessment—many are overvalued

Across Rhode Island, significant numbers of homeowners are assessed above fair market value and never challenge it. If you believe your property is overassessed relative to recent sales in your area, filing a tax appeal could reduce your annual burden—potentially saving hundreds of dollars yearly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bristol County

via CostByCounty

Bristol renters beat the national burden

At 14.6%, Bristol County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The county's median household income of $110,926 substantially outpaces the national median of $74,755, giving residents more breathing room in their budgets.

Most affordable county in Rhode Island

Bristol County ranks as Rhode Island's most housing-affordable county, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% compared to the state average of 17.0%. This nearly 2.5-point advantage means Bristol renters keep more of their income for other expenses than their neighbors across the state.

Lower rent, higher income than peers

Bristol's median rent of $1,348 is slightly below the state average of $1,362, while its median household income of $110,926 tops Washington County ($102,478) and Newport County ($100,859). This combination—steady wages paired with reasonable housing costs—makes Bristol a relative bargain in southern New England.

Where Bristol housing dollars go

Renters in Bristol spend about $1,348 monthly, while homeowners pay $2,080—together consuming roughly 27% of household income for housing. The median home value of $468,000 reflects a stable market where mortgage costs remain manageable relative to local incomes.

Consider Bristol for balanced living

If you're weighing Rhode Island counties, Bristol offers the rare combination of above-average income and below-average housing burden. Renters and homeowners alike will find more financial flexibility here than in Newport County or Providence County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bristol County

via IncomeByCounty

Bristol County earns 48% above US average

Bristol County's median household income of $110,926 significantly outpaces the national median of $74,755, placing households here in the upper tier of US earnings. This $36,171 income advantage reflects a prosperous, affluent community compared to the typical American household.

Strongest earners in Rhode Island

Bristol County ranks first among Rhode Island's five counties, earning $14,177 more than the state median of $96,749. Per capita income of $58,817 also exceeds the state average by $6,238, signaling robust individual and household wealth concentration here.

Bristol outearns most nearby counties

Bristol's $110,926 median household income leads Newport County ($100,859) and Washington County ($102,478), its two closest wealthy neighbors. Only Bristol and Washington maintain rent-to-income ratios below 15%, suggesting more sustainable housing affordability despite higher incomes.

Incomes cover costs comfortably here

With a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio—well below the 30% affordability threshold—Bristol households spend roughly one-seventh of earnings on rent, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. Median home values of $468,000 remain accessible for households earning $110,926 annually.

Build generational wealth strategically

Bristol's high incomes create exceptional opportunity for long-term investing and retirement planning. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings accounts and diversify investments while housing costs remain manageable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bristol County

via CrimeByCounty

Bristol County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Bristol County earns an elite safety score of 99.1, reflecting its position as one of the safest regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 586.3 per 100K is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Rhode Island's Leader in Public Safety

Bristol County ranks as the safest county in Rhode Island, significantly outperforming the state average safety score of 98.3. Three local reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this record-low crime environment.

Bristol Outpaces Nearby Counties

With a crime rate of 586.3 per 100K, Bristol is notably safer than neighboring Providence County. It even maintains lower incident rates than Washington County, which reports 634.6 crimes per 100K.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

Property crime accounts for 497.5 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is exceptionally rare at just 88.8 per 100K. These figures are a fraction of the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Maintaining High Safety Standards

Residents can keep these low numbers trending downward by utilizing smart home lighting and securing all entry points. Strong community awareness remains the best defense for this top-ranked county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bristol County

via HealthByCounty

Bristol outpaces the nation on longevity

Bristol County residents live to 80.7 years on average, beating the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over four years. Just 13% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 13.5%, signaling a generally healthy population.

Rhode Island's second-healthiest county

Bristol's 80.7-year life expectancy ranks second-best in Rhode Island, edging out the state average of 79.9 years. The county's 3.5% uninsured rate is also notably lower than Rhode Island's 4.2% average, reflecting strong healthcare access.

Healthier than nearby Kent and Providence

Bristol residents enjoy a 2.5-year longevity advantage over Kent County (78.2 years) and match Newport County's strong health outcomes at over 80 years. Bristol's primary care capacity of 201 providers per 100,000 is more than double Kent's 84, ensuring shorter waits for routine care.

Strong insurance coverage, robust primary care

With 3.5% of residents uninsured, Bristol leads the state in health coverage. The county's 201 primary care providers per 100,000 population far exceed state needs, while 257 mental health providers per 100,000 support comprehensive behavioral health care.

Already insured? Review your options.

Bristol's low uninsured rate shows residents value health coverage—and you should too. Check HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace to ensure your plan still meets your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bristol County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated and High-Performing Educational Network

Bristol County maintains a focused education infrastructure consisting of 13 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 6,563 students. The landscape features eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This compact system ensures a streamlined path for students from early childhood through graduation.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

The county boasts an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average and national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is $10,588—slightly below the Rhode Island average of $11,264—the high school score of 63.1 indicates an efficient and effective use of resources. Students here consistently exceed median performance metrics across the board.

Spotlighting Barrington and Bristol Warren Districts

The Barrington district serves as the county's largest hub with 3,382 students across six schools, followed closely by the Bristol Warren district with 2,837 students. School choice is enhanced by the Highlander charter system, which operates two schools and represents 7.7% of the county's total educational facilities. These districts form the backbone of the region's academic reputation.

Suburban Learning with a Small-Town Feel

Education in Bristol County is predominantly suburban, with 12 schools in suburb locales and one in a rural setting. Schools average 505 students, ranging from the large Barrington High School with 1,139 students down to the more intimate Hugh Cole School at 510 students. This mix provides a classic New England community feel where schools are central to local identity.

Secure Your Future Near Top-Tier Schools

For families prioritizing academic excellence, Bristol County offers some of the highest graduation rates in Rhode Island. Exploring homes in Barrington or Bristol allows you to tap into a proven system of student success and high-scoring districts. Consider these top-rated school zones as you search for your next community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bristol County

via RiskByCounty

Bristol: Well Below National Risk

Bristol County's composite risk score of 19.40 places it in the Very Low category, significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. Most natural hazards here rank far below national averages, making this one of Rhode Island's lowest-risk areas for disaster exposure.

Safest County in Rhode Island

Bristol's composite score of 19.40 is the lowest among all Rhode Island counties—substantially below the state average of 56.59. This makes Bristol the most resilient county in the state when measured across all major natural disaster categories.

Safer Than Every RI Neighbor

Bristol's 19.40 score outpaces Newport County (36.42), Washington County (64.03), Kent County (69.43), and Providence County (93.67) across the board. No other Rhode Island county comes close to Bristol's low-risk profile.

Hurricane and Flood Are Top Concerns

Hurricane risk (74.18) and flood risk (65.80) are Bristol's most significant hazards, though both remain well-controlled compared to inland counties. Tornado, wildfire, and earthquake risks all score below 13, posing minimal threat to residents.

Prioritize Flood and Wind Coverage

While Bristol enjoys low overall risk, coastal flood and hurricane damage are real possibilities—ensure your homeowner's policy covers wind and flood damage, or secure a separate flood policy. Standard homeowner insurance typically excludes flood, so verify coverage with your insurer today.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Bristol County

via SoilByCounty

A Blank Canvas for Bristol Soil

Bristol County currently lacks specific data on its dominant soil taxonomy and average pH levels. While the national median pH sits at 6.5, local growers should test their own plots to find their starting point.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

The specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay for Bristol are not currently recorded in centralized databases. Identifying this mix is essential for predicting workability, so a simple jar test can reveal your land's drainage potential.

Building Fertility in Bristol

With organic matter and water capacity data unavailable, gardeners should aim to match or exceed the national average of 2.0% organic matter. Consistent composting helps bridge the gap where official data is missing.

Managing Water in Coastal Zones

The county's official drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped at this time. Residents must observe local runoff patterns to determine the best locations for new structures or garden beds.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 7a

Bristol sits in Zone 7a, offering a milder climate than the northern parts of the state. Take advantage of the longer growing season to start a garden with coastal-hardy perennials today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bristol County

via LawnByCounty

Bristol County's High-Performing Lawns

Bristol County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 77.2, making it easier to maintain turf here than the Rhode Island average of 74.1. This Hardiness Zone 7a region significantly outperforms the national median score of 50.0. Homeowners enjoy a distinct advantage in growing conditions compared to many other parts of the country.

Optimal Rainfall Supports Growth

The county receives 49.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly identical to the state average and falls right in the ideal range for grass. While specific growing degree day data is unavailable, the 11 extreme heat days per year require extra vigilance during summer afternoons. This coastal climate generally provides a steady environment for consistent mowing schedules.

Testing the Soil Foundation

Specific data on soil pH and texture is currently unavailable for this county, requiring homeowners to rely on local testing. To reach peak performance, aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is the national gold standard for healthy lawns. Local extensions can provide the specific sand and clay balance data needed for precise fertilization.

Managing Abnormal Dryness

Bristol County recorded zero weeks of official drought over the past year, though 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Because no part of the county faces severe drought (D2+), basic water conservation like early morning irrigation is sufficient. Staying ahead of these dry spells ensures the grass remains resilient throughout the summer.

Seize the Coastal Season

The mild Hardiness Zone 7a climate is perfect for resilient species like Tall Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass. Without specific frost dates on record, local gardeners should watch soil temperatures and start seeding when the ground remains consistently above 50°F. Now is the time to leverage the county's high difficulty score and start your lawn project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bristol County's county score?
Bristol County, Rhode Island has a composite county score of 58.6 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 County rank among counties in Rhode Island?
Bristol County ranks #1 among all counties in Rhode Island 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 County, Rhode Island?
The median annual property tax in Bristol County is $6,483, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Bristol County a tax score of 17.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bristol County?
The median household income in Bristol County, Rhode Island is $110,926 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bristol County earns an income score of 97.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bristol County, Rhode Island a good place to live?
Bristol County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Rhode Island. The best way to evaluate Bristol County 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 County 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.