Median Income
$74,297
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,300
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
510/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$840
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
59% lower than US avg
How Meriden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population798
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density1,036/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,297
Per Capita$30,805
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty5.1%
County GDP$501M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,300
Rent$840
Ownership72.6%
Zillow$289,837
Housing Units305
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent510/100K
Property4,903/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking14.4%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation978 ft (298 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute25 min
Broadband79.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Meriden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Meriden receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime 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 $74,297, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Meriden is $143,300, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 510 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,903 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Meriden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Meriden has a population of 798 with a density of 1,036 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.4% female and 59.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Meriden is $74,297, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,805 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $990, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 416 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,297 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,805 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $990 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,806 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $501M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,086 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.0% |
The median home value in Meriden is $143,300, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,837, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $840 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 305 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,086 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,300 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,837 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $840 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.4% |
| Housing Units | 305 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,086 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Meriden, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,841. The dentist ratio is 1:6,115. 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Meriden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,841 |
| Dentists | 1:6,115 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,036 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,032/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Meriden has a violent crime rate of 510 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,903 per 100,000, 150% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 509.9/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,903.2/100K |
| 150% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Meriden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. The area receives 17.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 978 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 978 ft (298 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,036/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1895°N, 95.5681°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Philip Billard Municipal (TOP)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
35 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
36 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
76 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
7 km SW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
6 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M2.8 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
635 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 91 fatalities, 1,131 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
43 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
82 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURLEY HILL (16,381 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
95 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
70 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
MOYER RANCH |
6,641 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
45 km |
| 2022 |
ILLINOIS CREEK |
5,008 |
75 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
55 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,940 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,836 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
400 AND ROAD L |
2,393 |
73 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,377 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,187 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,186 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Meriden has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 30°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.0").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $625 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $565 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Meriden
What is the population of Meriden?
Meriden has a population of 798 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,036 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.4% female and 59.6% male.
Is Meriden expensive to live in?
Meriden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $74,297, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,300 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Meriden safe?
The violent crime rate in Meriden is 510 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,903 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Meriden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Meriden?
Meriden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Meriden?
The job market in Meriden is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $990. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Meriden?
The median home value in Meriden is $143,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,837. For renters, the median monthly rent is $840. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,086.
How are the schools in Meriden?
Schools in Meriden score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Meriden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Meriden?
The obesity rate in Meriden is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,841.
What is transportation like in Meriden?
The average commute in Meriden is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Meriden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Meriden is 95.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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