Bristol County Public RecordsMassachusetts

Bristol County, MA, has over 30 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of 89%. Roughly 28% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county features three community colleges and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Average standardized test scores for math and reading are near the state average, and school safety incidents are low, with fewer than 2 incidents per 1,000 students. Adult education includes GED and ESL programs. Specialty programs in STEM and arts are offered, enhancing educational opportunities across the county.

As of 2023, Bristol County, MA, has an employment rate of approximately 62%. Leading industries include healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (12%), and manufacturing (11%). Major occupation types are office and administrative support (14%), sales (10%), and production (9%). Around 82% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 28 minutes. Key employment locations are New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton, with about 35% of residents working outside the county, often in Greater Boston and Providence.

Bristol County, MA, has a homeownership rate of about 65%, with median home values around $420,000 as of early 2024. Median rents are approximately $1,600 per month. The housing stock includes single-family homes, multi-family units, and apartments, with popular neighborhoods in Fall River, New Bedford, and Attleboro. Recent years have seen a steady 6% annual property value increase. Property tax rates average $13–$15 per $1,000 of assessed value, varying by town. The market is competitive, with limited inventory driving prices up and rentals in high demand.

Bristol County, MA, has a crime rate of approximately 16.3 per 1,000 residents, slightly below the national average. In 2022, there were around 9,000 reported crimes, including about 700 violent offenses (e.g., assault, robbery) and 8,300 property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft). The local sheriff’s office emphasizes public safety with community policing, and residents are encouraged to report crimes via the Bristol County Crime Stoppers. Recent years have seen a slight decline in both violent and property crime rates, reflecting proactive law enforcement and community engagement efforts.

Bristol County, MA, had approximately 340,000 registered voters in 2022. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, including gubernatorial, presidential, and town meetings. Democrats and Republicans are the primary parties, with independents comprising about 60% of registrations. In the 2020 presidential election, 54.5% voted for Joe Biden and 43.2% for Donald Trump. Polling locations are managed by individual municipalities, with over 50 sites countywide. Top issues include education, public safety, and opioid addiction. The Bristol County Board of Elections administers voting, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.

As of 2022, Bristol County, MA has a population of approximately 579,200. The median age is about 41 years. Females make up 51.5% and males 48.5% of residents. Racially, 83% are White, 5.8% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 7.4% identify as Hispanic or Latino. The county displays moderate diversity, with growing minority populations in recent years.