Bristol city, Virginia

Income Data

-40% vs. Virginia average
$44,706
Median Household Income
$29,646
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$44,706
-40% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,646
-25% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
26.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#124 / 133
by median household income

How Bristol city Compares

Bristol city$44,706
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$44,706
Median Household Income
$29,646
Per Capita Income
$168,700
Median Home Value
26.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Bristol city, Virginia

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Bristol city, Virginia?
The median household income in Bristol city, Virginia is $44,706, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Bristol city?
The per capita income in Bristol city is $29,646, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $44,706.
How does Bristol city compare to the Virginia average?
Bristol city's median household income of $44,706 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $29,646, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Bristol city, Virginia?
The per capita income in Bristol city, Virginia is $29,646, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Bristol city a low-income area in Virginia?
Bristol city's median household income of $44,706 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $29,646 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Bristol city rank for income in Virginia?
Bristol city ranks #124 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $44,706 and per capita income of $29,646, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.