×
Your
Bristol
Retirement Outlook — in 90 seconds
Hosted by Michael McMillan, President of Annuities.net
Every figure mentioned is drawn from the same sourced public data shown below — and the video updates as the data does.
Stat icon
17,059
+
Total Population
Stat icon
$
39,679
Median Income
Stat icon
$
127,900
Median Home
Stat icon
22
%
Age 65+
Retirement Suitability
How
Bristol
ranks for retirees?
42
/ 100

A blended, sourced view of how this city ranks for retirees across tax, affordability, healthcare, and climate.

Tax
8
Affordability
61
Healthcare
51
Climate
60

Results

Bristol

Suitability Breakdown

Retirement tax planning
01 - Taxes

Retirement Tax Treatment

Tax
8

Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits, which helps retirees keep more of that income.

State sales tax here runs about

%.

Source · Tax Foundation
8
Retirement tax planning
02 - Income

Annuity Rates Available Here

Affordability
61

Fixed annuity rates reach up to

7

% on 5-year terms, with most landing between

5

% and

5

%.

Source · Cannex
61
Retirement tax planning
03 - Healthcare

Hospital Access & Quality

Healthcare
51

The area has

Medicare-certified hospitals, averaging a

/5 CMS quality rating.

Source · CMS Hospital Compare
Retirement tax planning
04 - Climate

Weather & Comfort

Climate
60

A

Cold / Snowy

climate — summers peak near

83

°F, winters dip to about

25

°F, with roughly

13

″ of snow a year.

Source · NOAA Climate Normals
Cold / Snowy
Retirement tax planning
05 - Risk

Natural Disaster Risk

Risk
Very Low

FEMA's overall natural-disaster risk rating for this county on the National Risk Index.

Source · FEMA National Risk Index
Very Low

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia tax Social Security income for retirees in Bristol?

Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits, which means retirees in Bristol keep that income intact at the state level. For a community where median household income is around $39,679, this exemption can meaningfully stretch a fixed retirement budget. Always confirm your full tax picture with a qualified tax professional.

How affordable is housing in Bristol, VA for someone retiring on a fixed income?

Bristol’s median home value is $127,900, which is well below national averages. That lower price point can reduce housing costs for retirees living on fixed incomes. With more than one in five residents aged 65 or older, the community has a notable retiree presence in a small city of about 17,059 people.

What is the natural-disaster risk like for retirees considering Bristol, VA?

FEMA’s National Risk Index rates the county’s overall natural-disaster risk as Very Low, which may appeal to retirees concerned about storm or disaster exposure. Bristol does experience cold winters with average lows around 25 degrees Fahrenheit and roughly 12 inches of annual snowfall, so winter weather is the more routine seasonal consideration.

How can a MYGA help Bristol retirees keep their income predictable?

Bristol’s median household income of $39,679 means many retirees here depend heavily on predictable income to cover essentials. A multi-year guaranteed annuity, or MYGA, locks in a fixed interest rate for a set term — often two to ten years — so you know exactly what your money will earn. Virginia’s exemption of Social Security from state income tax already helps stretch retirement dollars, and a MYGA can complement that by adding another layer of guaranteed, stable growth. Because rates shift frequently, check our current annuity rates page for today’s figures.

What is the climate like in Bristol, VA, and how might it affect retirement living?

Bristol has warm summers with average highs around 83 degrees Fahrenheit and cold winters with lows near 25 degrees. Annual snowfall averages about 12 inches. Retirees who are sensitive to cold or icy conditions may want to factor in winter mobility and home heating costs when evaluating Bristol as a retirement location.

See Current Annuity Rates