Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Meridian, ID
Thinking of moving to Meridian, ID? With a population of about 130,000, Meridian offers a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere with a reasonable cost of living and a median home price around $489,000. The city enjoys 71% sunny days, low violent crime (176 per 100K), and quick 23-minute average commutes. Meridian's schools are highly rated, and you'll find great healthcare, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant, growing community—all making it an appealing place to call home.
Demographics - Meridian, ID
Demographics - Meridian, ID
Meridian is home to approximately 129,600 residents, with a median age of 36.5 years and a near even gender balance. The city is predominantly White, but also features a growing blend of other ethnicities and nearly 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a suburban feel that appeals to families and professionals alike.
Population:
129,600
Density:
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
9.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Meridian, ID?
Living in Meridian means slightly higher costs compared to the national average, with a median home value around $489,000 and average rent about $1,650 per month. While housing is the largest expense, everyday essentials like groceries and utilities remain close to the national average. State income taxes are moderate, making it manageable for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$489,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,025
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$675
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.8%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.5
Grocery:
98.6
Housing:
118.2
Utilities:
92.7
Transportation:
99.5
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
98.9
Crime
Is Meridian, ID a safe place to live?
Meridian is considered a safe city, boasting a low violent crime rate of 176 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,210 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community security, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 568. This safety makes Meridian especially attractive to families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
176
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,386
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 568
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Meridian, ID year-round?
Meridian enjoys a pleasant climate with 71% sunny days each year and low average rainfall at just over 11 inches annually. Winters are cold but manageable, with highs around 39°F, while summers are warm and sunny, reaching up to 92°F. The seasonal changes offer opportunities for year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Meridian’s households benefit from a median household income of $84,800 and a low poverty rate of 6.6%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average about 23 minutes. The area’s strong employment and education levels contribute to a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$42,500
Household Income:
$84,800
Family Income:
$97,600
Per Capita Income:
$37,100
Income Male:
$50,000
Income Female:
$41,800
Poverty Rate:
6.6%
Non English Speakers:
8.7%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
37.2%
Education
How are the schools in Meridian, ID?
Families in Meridian benefit from highly-rated public and private schools, including large high schools and the respected Cole Valley Christian Schools. Higher education is easily accessible, with Idaho State University’s Meridian campus in town and Boise State University just 11 miles away. The city’s educational environment supports lifelong learning from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Meridian High School
Street:
1900 W Pine Ave
Phone:
208-350-4160
Students:
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.8
Name:
Rocky Mountain High School
Street:
5450 N Linder Rd
Phone:
208-350-4340
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.2
Private Schools
Name:
Cole Valley Christian Schools
Street:
200 E Carlton Ave
Phone:
208-947-1212
Students:
1,100
Colleges
Name:
Idaho State University - Meridian
City:
Meridian
State:
ID
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Name:
Boise State University
City:
Boise
State:
ID
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
25,800
Healthcare
Meridian offers quality healthcare with major facilities like St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center and Saltzer Health Urgent Care providing comprehensive services. The city has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage. Residents enjoy convenient access to both emergency and routine medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center
Address:
520 S Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone:
(208) 706-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saltzer Health Urgent Care
Address:
875 S Vanguard Way, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone:
(208) 463-3000
Type:
Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Meridian, ID?
The housing market in Meridian is robust, with a median home price of $489,000 and owner occupancy at 76%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,650 and a low vacancy rate of 4.7%. Steady home appreciation and new construction reflect an active, growing real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$489,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Meridian residents are served by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Boise. The DMV offers all standard services including licensing and vehicle registration, with resources available both in-person and online. Access to DMV services is straightforward for new and existing residents.
State:
Idaho
Department:
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
400 N Benjamin Ln #101, Boise, ID 83704
Phone:
208-334-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.