Median Income
$83,333
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$129,200
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
128/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$914
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Meridian Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population167
Median Age51.8 yrs
Density242/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,333
Per Capita$42,657
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$4,063M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$129,200
Rent$914
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$218,905
Housing Units98
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent128/100K
Property3,887/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking15.5%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation442 ft (135 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 44%
Commute19 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Meridian a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Meridian receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Meridian offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Meridian is $83,333, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Meridian is $129,200, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Meridian is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,887 per 100,000, 98% above the national average.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Meridian experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches, including 140.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Meridian has a population of 167 with a density of 242 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 51.8 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 5.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.8yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Meridian is $83,333, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,657. The average weekly wage is $1,204, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,739 business establishments, including 173 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,333 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,657 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,204 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,253 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,739 |
| County GDP | $4,063M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 173 |
| Healthcare | 167 |
| Retail | 216 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,441 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Meridian is $129,200, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,905, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $914 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,441 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $129,200 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,905 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $914 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,441 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.76% |
In Meridian, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,449. The dentist ratio is 1:2,344. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Meridian vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,449 |
| Dentists | 1:2,344 |
| Mental Health | 1:454 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,892/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 167 |
Meridian has a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,887 per 100,000, 98% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Meridian receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Meridian vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 128.1/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,886.6/100K |
| 98% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Meridian experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. The area receives 140.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 442 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 442 ft (135 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 242/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1630°N, 76.5382°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cayuga County County |
| Nearest Airport | Syracuse Hancock International (SYR)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Dec 25, 1998 |
23 km SE of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
65 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Jul 19, 2007 |
27 km S of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
4 km SSE of Attica, New York |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
4 km N of Kingston, Canada |
M2.6 |
123 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
88 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
39 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
105 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
7 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
75 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
97 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DRY MARSH (1,018 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DRY MARSH |
1,018 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Meridian has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 24°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Meridian. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Meridian
What is the population of Meridian?
Meridian has a population of 167 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 242 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Meridian expensive to live in?
Meridian is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,333, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,200 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Meridian safe?
Meridian is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,887 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Meridian receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Meridian?
Meridian has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches, with 140.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Meridian?
The job market in Meridian is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,204. There are 1,739 business establishments in the area, including 173 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Meridian?
The median home value in Meridian is $129,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,905. For renters, the median monthly rent is $914. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $7,441.
How are the schools in Meridian?
Schools in Meridian score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.7% of adults in Meridian hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Meridian?
The obesity rate in Meridian is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,449.
What is transportation like in Meridian?
The average commute in Meridian is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Meridian?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Meridian is 94% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
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