IdahoPop. 130,138Mid-size cities
Is Meridian a Good Place to Live? Meridian, Idaho: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Meridian ranks #193 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 256 mid-size cities and #1 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3%, #8 of 241) and fast population growth (+2.4%, #10 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Meridian by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Meridian'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 Meridian?
Meridian's cost of living index is 98.4, 2% below the US level of 100 and #606 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,805/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $535,976, 12% above the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
| Measure | Meridian | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 98.4#606 of 1,308 | 95.5 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $535,976#876 of 1,187 | $478,744 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,084/mo#749 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $531,600#1008 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,805/mo#966 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.5%#617 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho 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.
Meridian 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. Meridian is in the Boise City, ID metro.
Idaho housing market →Is Meridian safe?
Meridian recorded 137 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 328 and 37% below Idaho's 217. That ranks #209 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Meridian Police Department. Property crime runs 408 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Meridian | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 137#209 of 1,085 | 217 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 408#8 of 1,085 | 605 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho 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 Meridian?
The median household in Meridian earns $100,795, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 24% above Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Meridian | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $100,795#334 of 1,312 | $81,166 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 6%#178 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +2.4%#71 of 1,132 | +1.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Meridian?
The median resident of Meridian is 37.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 44.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #360 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Meridian | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 44.2%#360 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 74.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Meridian's schools and health?
Meridian's 34 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 19.7 students per teacher and $9,140 spent per pupil. 28.8% of adults are obese and 8.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Meridian | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 79.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 19.7#931 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $9,140#1178 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 28.8%#319 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.4%#138 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.2%#400 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 25,274 students are enrolled in Meridian's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Meridian?
The average commute in Meridian is 22.4 minutes (Idaho 22.2); 0.1% of workers take transit and 19.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Meridian scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.6°F and winters 33.9°F, with 11.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Meridian | IdahoID | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.4 min#534 of 1,312 | 22.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.8% | 72.9% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19.4% | 12.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 9.2#791 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Idaho 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 | 38.8 | 25.5 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 46 | 29 | 1 |
| Mar | 55.5 | 34.9 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 62.3 | 39.6 | 1.2 |
| May | 72.3 | 47.5 | 1.5 |
| Jun | 81.4 | 54.1 | 0.8 |
| Jul | 92.7 | 61.9 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 90.7 | 60.8 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 80 | 52.6 | 0.4 |
| Oct | 64.8 | 41.5 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 48.8 | 31.7 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 38.8 | 25.4 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Boise Air Terminal.
| Measure | Meridian | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 73.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Boise Air Terminal.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Meridian?
Ada County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ada County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Meridian | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#329 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ada County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ada County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.027% | 92% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0055% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 32% 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 Meridian compare with similar-size cities?
Meridian is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #24 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 130,138.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #193 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 min |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #580 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 | 24.7 min |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #302 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 | 15.5 min |
| Lewisville, TXPop. 131,080 | #346 | 61.0 | $89,233 | $1,670/mo | 218 | 24.6 min |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #105 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 | 22.6 min |
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #581 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 | 27.8 min |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 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 Meridian compare with the rest of Idaho?
Meridian ranks #1 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 64.7 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 24% above the Idaho median. Violent crime is 37% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Idaho home.
| City | Rank in ID | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #1 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #2 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #3 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data |
| Star, IDPop. 14,745 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,936 | $1,924/mo | no data |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #5 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #6 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 |
| Kuna, IDPop. 27,158 | #7 | 59.9 | $96,219 | $1,774/mo | no data |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #8 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #9 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 |
| Lewiston, IDPop. 34,651 | #10 | 58.3 | $72,197 | $1,027/mo | 175 |
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #11 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #12 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 |
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #13 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 |
| Chubbuck, IDPop. 16,126 | #14 | 56.3 | $82,977 | $1,048/mo | 280 |
| Hayden, IDPop. 16,338 | #15 | 55.9 | $82,958 | $1,733/mo | no data |
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #16 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #17 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #18 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #19 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 |
| Mountain Home, IDPop. 16,493 | #20 | 48.0 | $63,125 | $1,155/mo | 193 |
All 20 Idaho cities we track, by overall score. Idaho statewide: median income $81,166, violent crime 217.3 per 100,000.
How is Meridian's score calculated?
Meridian scores 64.7 out of 100, #193 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Idaho'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 Meridian. Similar-size median 52.9.
69.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Meridian's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
94.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Meridian. Similar-size median 53.8.
70.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Meridian's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
40.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Meridian's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
54.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Meridian. Similar-size median 51.2.
73.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Meridian. Similar-size median 42.1.
68.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Meridian. Similar-size median 50.1.
55.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Meridian's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
67.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Meridian's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Meridian 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 Meridian
Is Meridian, ID a good place to live?
Meridian ranks #193 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 256 mid-size cities and #1 of 20 in Idaho. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3%, #8 of 241) and fast population growth (+2.4%, #10 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Meridian?
Meridian's cost of living index is 98.4, 2% below the US level of 100 and #606 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,805/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $535,976, 12% above the typical Idaho home ($478,744).
What is the crime rate in Meridian?
Meridian recorded 137 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 328 and 37% below Idaho's 217. That ranks #209 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Meridian Police Department. Property crime runs 408 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Meridian?
The median household in Meridian earns $100,795, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 24% above Idaho ($81,166). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Meridian?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,805/mo (Census), #966 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,084/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Meridian?
The typical home value in Meridian is $535,976, up 0.9% in a year, against $478,744 for Idaho and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $531,600.
How are the public schools in Meridian?
Meridian's 34 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Idaho 79.9%), with 19.7 students per teacher and $9,140 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Meridian?
The average commute is 22.4 minutes, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.2 minutes across Idaho. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Meridian?
Meridian averages 53.2°F over the year, 73.6°F in summer and 33.9°F in winter, with 11.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Meridian walkable?
Meridian scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 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 Meridian at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ada County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Meridian?
Ada County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Meridian?
Meridian has 130,138 residents. The median resident of Meridian is 37.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 44.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #360 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Meridian compare with the rest of Idaho?
Meridian ranks #1 of the 20 Idaho cities we track, with a score of 64.7 against Idaho's statewide 78.4. Its households earn 24% above the Idaho median. Violent crime is 37% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Idaho home.
What cities are similar in size to Meridian?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Meridian's population of 130,138 are Sterling Heights, MI (#580 overall), Fargo, ND (#302 overall), Lewisville, TX (#346 overall), Santa Clara, CA (#105 overall), and Palm Bay, FL (#581 overall). Meridian is #193.