Meridian

Meridian, Mississippi Overview

Meridian faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (40.2/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Mississippi. Even so, the city scores 82/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 0/100.

Income & Employment in Meridian

The median household income in Meridian is $34,657, 35% below the statewide median of $52,985. The local unemployment rate of 3.3% is lower than the state’s 3.7%. Population declined 0.6%.

Cost of Living in Meridian

The median home value is $100,800. Median monthly rent is $865.

Health & Wellness in Meridian

The adult obesity rate in Meridian is 46.2%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 19.7%. Residents report an average of 19.3 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Mississippi ranks #47 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Meridian

Meridian has a high school graduation rate of 86.1%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $12,606. The city has 18 public schools serving 9,383 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Meridian

Meridian enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 66.1°F. Summers average 80.5°F. Winters average 52.8°F. Annual precipitation is 46.5 inches. The average commute of 17.3 minutes is notably short.

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