Bristol County, MA
580,068 residents · 553 sq mi · 1,048.7/sq mi · 10% rural
About Bristol County
Bristol County is a county in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 579,200. The shire town is Taunton. Some governmental functions are performed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, others by the county, and others by local towns and cities. The county is the sixth most populous county in Massachusetts. Bristol County is part of the Providence metropolitan area, which is also included in Greater Boston. The county is adjacent to the state of Rhode Island. It is geographically adjacent to the Massachusetts counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, and Dukes, and the Rhode Island counties of Bristol, Newport, and Providence.
Prepper Assessment
Living in Bristol County offers a mix of suburban and rural environments, with a population density of 1,048.7 people per square mile. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 51.0°F and 49.6 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for USDA zone 8a crops. However, the proximity to urban areas may limit the sense of remoteness that some homesteaders seek, and water resources are abundant but can be affected by seasonal flooding, given the area's riverine flood risk.
Bristol County faces several natural hazards, particularly riverine flooding (ranked 94) and hurricanes (ranked 91), which pose significant risks to self-sufficiency efforts. The area has a relatively high population density, with 95% of counties being emptier, which may lead to competition for resources. Housing costs are substantial, with a median home price of $385,000, and the effective property tax rate stands at 1.17%, adding to the financial burden for potential homesteaders.
This county may suit individuals or families looking for a balance of rural and urban living, particularly those who can manage the risks associated with flooding and hurricanes. However, it might not be ideal for those seeking complete isolation or low housing costs, as the median household income of $80,628 may not stretch far in a high-cost area. A dealbreaker for many homesteaders could be the high population density and associated competition for land and resources.