Median Income
$53,661
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,300
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Meriden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population130
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density1,182/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans97.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,661
Per Capita$32,783
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,300
Rent$625
Ownership70.1%
Zillow$171,161
Housing Units59
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property1,181/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,412 ft (430 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute15 min
Broadband67.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Meriden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Meriden receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Meriden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Meriden is $53,661, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Meriden is $98,300, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Meriden is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Meriden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.2 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Meriden has a population of 130 with a density of 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 97.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Meriden is $53,661, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,783 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 452 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,661 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,783 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,807 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 452 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Meriden is $98,300, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,161, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 59 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,325. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,300 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,161 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.9% |
| Housing Units | 59 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.38% |
In Meriden, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917. The dentist ratio is 1:3,830. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Meriden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,917 |
| Dentists | 1:3,830 |
| Mental Health | 1:725 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,020/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Meriden has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Meriden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Meriden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.5/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,181.5/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Meriden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.2 inches. The area receives 37.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,412 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,412 ft (430 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,182/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7945°N, 95.6341°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.2"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
43 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
608 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 162 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Meriden has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Meriden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $559 |
| Preschool | $559 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $438 |
| Toddler | $431 |
| Preschool | $431 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Meriden
What is the population of Meriden?
Meriden has a population of 130 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Meriden expensive to live in?
Meriden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,661, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,300 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Meriden safe?
Meriden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Meriden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Meriden?
Meriden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.2 inches, with 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Meriden?
The job market in Meriden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 452 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Meriden?
The median home value in Meriden is $98,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,161. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,325.
How are the schools in Meriden?
Schools in Meriden score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Meriden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Meriden?
The obesity rate in Meriden is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917.
What is transportation like in Meriden?
The average commute in Meriden is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Meriden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Meriden is 98.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 97.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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