MississippiPop. 34,137Small cities
Is Meridian a Good Place to Live? Meridian, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Meridian ranks #1220 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #190 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($107,900, #5 of 208) and low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208), and trails on low household income ($36,562, #208 of 208) and high poverty (34.3%, #206 of 208).
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 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $910/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $115,679, 41% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Meridian | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 83.6#7 of 1,308 | 87 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $115,679#10 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,346/mo#203 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $107,900#17 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $910/mo#102 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 29.9%#1249 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 Meridian, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Meridian safe?
Meridian recorded 554 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% above the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times Mississippi's 227. That ranks #881 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #147 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Meridian Police Department. Property crime runs 1,640 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Meridian | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 554#881 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,640#544 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 $36,562, 56% below the US figure of $83,163 and 38% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 34.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Meridian | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $36,562#1309 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 34.3%#1308 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 39.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 21.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Meridian | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 39.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 21.8%#1108 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 48.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Meridian's schools and health?
Meridian's 12 public schools graduate 86.1% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $13,339 spent per pupil. 46.2% of adults are obese and 19.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Meridian | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86.1%#643 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.6#234 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,339#786 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 46.2%#1297 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 19.7%#1304 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.3%#1089 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 14.9%#1072 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,394 students are enrolled in Meridian's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Meridian?
The average commute in Meridian is 18.9 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0.1% of workers take transit and 5.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Meridian scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.6°F and winters 49.8°F, with 57 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Meridian | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.9 min#251 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.1%#727 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.1% | 81.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.1% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.8#1105 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 | 59 | 36.4 | 5.6 |
| Feb | 63.8 | 39.7 | 5.4 |
| Mar | 71.2 | 45.9 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 78.2 | 52.6 | 5.6 |
| May | 85.3 | 61.3 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 91 | 68.9 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 72 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 93.1 | 71.3 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 88.9 | 65.6 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 79.5 | 53.7 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 68.7 | 42.9 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 61.1 | 38.6 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Meridian Key Fld.
| Measure | Meridian | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 65.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 49.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 57 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Meridian Key Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Meridian?
Lauderdale County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 95% 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 Lauderdale County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Meridian | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 35#143 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#491 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lauderdale County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lauderdale County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.02% | 87% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.011% | 76% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0057% | 69% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0029% | 61% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 41% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #190 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 34,137.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #252 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 | 21.5 min |
| Lewiston, IDPop. 34,651 | #485 | 58.3 | $72,197 | $1,027/mo | 175 | 15.3 min |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #749 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 | 20.8 min |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #486 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 | 13.9 min |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #207 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 | 30.6 min |
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 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 Mississippi?
Meridian ranks #18 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 44.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 38% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 41% below the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Meridian's score calculated?
Meridian scores 44.3 out of 100, #1220 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi'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.
36.6 - 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 78.4.
59.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Meridian. Similar-size median 52.2.
17.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Meridian's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
59.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Meridian's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
91.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Meridian. Similar-size median 46.7.
0.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Meridian. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Meridian. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Meridian's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
67.4 - 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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, MS a good place to live?
Meridian ranks #1220 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #190 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($107,900, #5 of 208) and low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208), and trails on low household income ($36,562, #208 of 208) and high poverty (34.3%, #206 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Meridian?
Meridian's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $910/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $115,679, 41% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Meridian?
Meridian recorded 554 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% above the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times Mississippi's 227. That ranks #881 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #147 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Meridian Police Department. Property crime runs 1,640 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Meridian?
The median household in Meridian earns $36,562, 56% below the US figure of $83,163 and 38% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 34.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Meridian?
Median rent in Meridian is $910/mo (Census), #102 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,346/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Meridian?
The typical home value in Meridian is $115,679, up 1.3% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $107,900.
How are the public schools in Meridian?
Meridian's 12 public schools graduate 86.1% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $13,339 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Meridian?
The average commute is 18.9 minutes, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 6.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Meridian?
Meridian averages 65.9°F over the year, 81.6°F in summer and 49.8°F in winter, with 57 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Meridian walkable?
Meridian scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 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 Lauderdale County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hurricane, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Meridian?
Lauderdale County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 95% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Meridian?
Meridian has 34,137 residents. The median resident of Meridian is 39.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 21.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Meridian compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Meridian ranks #18 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 44.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 38% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 41% below the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Meridian?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Meridian's population of 34,137 are University City, MO (#252 overall), Lewiston, ID (#485 overall), McMinnville, OR (#749 overall), Kearney, NE (#486 overall), and Alabaster, AL (#207 overall). Meridian is #1220.