Median Income
$61,607
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,100
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Meridian Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,546
Median Age44.9 yrs
Density740/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,607
Per Capita$29,501
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$857M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,100
Rent$736
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$244,692
Rent Burden24.4%
Health
Obesity37.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Elevation763 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+87.3%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute22 min
Broadband77.8%
Libraries3
Is Meridian a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Meridian receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. 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 $61,607, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Meridian is $112,100, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 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.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Meridian enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Meridian has a population of 1,546 with a density of 740 people per square mile. The median age is 44.9 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (82.7%), with 3.8% Black.
Population
44.9yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 84.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Spanish | 15.3% |
| 14% above US avg |
The median household income in Meridian is $61,607, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,607 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,501 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,214 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 400 |
| County GDP | $857M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,790 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Meridian is $112,100, 60% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,692.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,100 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,692 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,790 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.06% |
In Meridian, 37.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.3% report depression. 28.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Meridian vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Crime Rates: Meridian vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
Meridian has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.5°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 37.6 inches |
| 1% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 763 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 740/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9266°N, 97.6491°W |
| County FIPS | 48035 |