Bristow is a city in Butler County, Iowa, United States.

[3] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.94 square miles (2.43 km2), all land.

There were 75 housing units at an average density of 79.9 per square mile (30.8/km2).

There were 84 housing units at an average density of 89.4 per square mile (34.5/km2).

38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

About 15.0% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.0% of those 65 or over.

Bristow is the hometown of Ed Yost, inventor of the modern hot air balloon.