ConnecticutPop. 60,545Smaller cities
Is Meriden a Good Place to Live? Meriden, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Meriden ranks #599 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($241,200, #109 of 524) and low violent crime (153 per 100,000, #110 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Meriden by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Meriden's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Meriden?
Meriden's cost of living index is 104.6, 5% above the US level of 100 and #931 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,294/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,086, 27% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Meriden | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104.6#931 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $328,086#459 of 1,187 | $450,873 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,903/mo#657 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $241,200#363 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,294/mo#521 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.8%#657 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Meriden housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Meriden is in the New Haven-Milford, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Meriden safe?
Meriden recorded 153 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 39% above Connecticut's 110. That ranks #245 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #110 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Meriden Police Department. Property crime runs 1,680 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Meriden | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 153#245 of 1,085 | 110 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,680#568 of 1,085 | 1,146 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Meriden?
The median household in Meriden earns $71,253, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Meriden | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $71,253#789 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.2%#752 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Meriden?
The median resident of Meriden is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Meriden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.2%#1087 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Meriden's schools and health?
Meriden's 13 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $19,611 spent per pupil. 36.8% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Meriden | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,611#222 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.8%#929 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,129 students are enrolled in Meriden's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Meriden?
The average commute in Meriden is 23 minutes (Connecticut 27); 1.9% of workers take transit and 8.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Meriden scores 11.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71°F and winters 30.2°F, with 44.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Meriden | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 27 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.7%#328 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.8% | 70.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.2% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.6% | 13.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.2#563 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37 | 18.7 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 39.1 | 20.2 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 47.5 | 28.2 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 59.9 | 37.8 | 4.1 |
| May | 70.4 | 47.8 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 78.7 | 57 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 84 | 62.5 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 82.4 | 61.1 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 53.6 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 63.6 | 41.8 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 52 | 32.1 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 41.7 | 24.5 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Meriden Markham Muni Airport.
| Measure | Meriden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Meriden Markham Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Meriden?
New Haven County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts South Central Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Meriden | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#699 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for New Haven County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, South Central Connecticut Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.03% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0076% | 79% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0044% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Meriden compare with similar-size cities?
Meriden is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #268 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,545.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #599 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 | 23 min |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #52 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 | 27.4 min |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #1155 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data | 36 min |
| San Rafael, CAPop. 60,433 | #501 | 58.0 | $119,435 | $2,377/mo | 365 | 25.3 min |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #611 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 | 29.3 min |
| Euless, TXPop. 60,421 | #653 | 55.8 | $82,167 | $1,690/mo | 159 | 24.8 min |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #1156 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year | 31.8 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Meriden compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Meriden ranks #15 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 26% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Connecticut home.
| City | Rank in CT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #1 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 |
| Milford, CTPop. 51,023 | #2 | 69.3 | $111,201 | $1,882/mo | 71 |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #3 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #4 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #5 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #6 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #7 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #8 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 |
| Torrington, CTPop. 35,547 | #9 | 59.9 | $70,856 | $1,169/mo | 98 |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #10 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #11 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 |
| East Hartford, CTPop. 50,918 | #12 | 58.7 | $70,778 | $1,225/mo | 92 |
| Manchester, CTPop. 36,759 | #13 | 57.6 | $74,267 | $1,384/mo | county/metro |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #14 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #15 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 |
| New Britain, CTPop. 74,223 | #16 | 53.1 | $58,613 | $1,253/mo | 424 |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #17 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #18 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #19 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #20 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 |
All 20 Connecticut cities we track, by overall score. Connecticut statewide: median income $96,049, violent crime 109.6 per 100,000.
How is Meriden's score calculated?
Meriden scores 56.7 out of 100, #599 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Connecticut's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Meriden. Similar-size median 55.5.
45.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Meriden's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
84.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Meriden. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Meriden's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
66.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Meriden's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
69.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Meriden. Similar-size median 56.1.
46.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Meriden. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Meriden. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Meriden's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
53.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
50.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Meriden's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Meriden has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Meriden
Is Meriden, CT a good place to live?
Meriden ranks #599 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($241,200, #109 of 524) and low violent crime (153 per 100,000, #110 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Meriden?
Meriden's cost of living index is 104.6, 5% above the US level of 100 and #931 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,294/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,086, 27% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Meriden?
Meriden recorded 153 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 39% above Connecticut's 110. That ranks #245 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #110 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Meriden Police Department. Property crime runs 1,680 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Meriden?
The median household in Meriden earns $71,253, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Meriden?
Median rent in Meriden is $1,294/mo (Census), #521 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,903/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Meriden?
The typical home value in Meriden is $328,086, up 4.5% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $241,200.
How are the public schools in Meriden?
Meriden's 13 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $19,611 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Meriden?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 3.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Meriden?
Meriden averages 50.7°F over the year, 71°F in summer and 30.2°F in winter, with 44.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Meriden walkable?
Meriden scores 11.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Meriden at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts South Central Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Meriden?
New Haven County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Meriden?
Meriden has 60,545 residents. The median resident of Meriden is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Meriden compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Meriden ranks #15 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 26% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Meriden?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Meriden's population of 60,545 are White Plains, NY (#52 overall), Stonecrest, GA (#1155 overall), San Rafael, CA (#501 overall), Taunton, MA (#611 overall), and Euless, TX (#653 overall). Meriden is #599.