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.