Bristol County
RI · Pop. 50,568 · Urban County
Bristol County, Rhode Island covers 24 square miles with a population of 50,568 and a density of 2107 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, tomatoes. A median home price of $468,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.39% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 203-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F and average winter lows of 24.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 48.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Saint Anne's Hospital is 6.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 99% of homes.
Pros
- A long 203-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 99% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 48.5 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 6.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- An effective property tax rate of 1.39% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- A median home price of $468,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The nearest hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital, is 6.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 2107 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Bristol County, RI is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 29/100
- Median home price
- $468k
- Property tax
- 1.39%
- Growing season
- 203 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 48.5"
- Broadband
- 99%
- Nearest hospital
- Saint Anne's Hospital, 6.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Bristol County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Bristol County?
- Bristol County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 203-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F, and average winter lows of 24.8°F. The established crops are hay, corn, tomatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $468,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.39%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Saint Anne's Hospital is 6.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Rhode Island Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Rhode Island
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The closest counties to Bristol County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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