Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Meridian Lake, CO
Considering a move to Meridian Lake, CO? This scenic community of 2,250 offers a relaxed pace, with median home prices around $575,000 and average rents of $1,975. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (75 per 100k), short average commutes (21 minutes), and an outdoorsy climate with 71% sunny days. Excellent schools, high educational attainment (47% bachelor's or higher), and easy access to Gunnison Valley healthcare make it a welcoming spot for families and professionals seeking a mountain lifestyle.
Demographics - Meridian Lake, CO
Demographics - Meridian Lake, CO
Meridian Lake is a small community of 2,250 residents with a median age of 41, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals. The area is predominantly White (84%), with a moderate level of diversity and about 7.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its relatively low population density offers a spacious, friendly environment.
Population:
2,250
Density:
200 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Meridian Lake, CO?
Meridian Lake has a higher-than-average cost of living, with median home values at $575,000 and typical rents near $1,975 per month. The cost of groceries, housing, and utilities are above national norms, reflecting its desirable mountain setting. State income tax is consistent at 4.4%, and homeowners with a mortgage can expect monthly housing costs around $2,320.
Median House Value:
$575,000
Gross Rent:
$1,975
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,440
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
105.4
Housing:
148.2
Utilities:
94.6
Transportation:
102.5
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Meridian Lake, CO a safe place to live?
Residents of Meridian Lake benefit from very low violent crime rates, with only 75 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime is also below the national average. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is just 1 in 1,333, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Safety and peace of mind are key features of this community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
855
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Meridian Lake, CO year-round?
Meridian Lake offers a classic mountain climate, with cold winters (lows averaging 6°F) and mild summers reaching up to 73°F. The community enjoys approximately 71% sunny days each year and receives about 19.5 inches of annual rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes are distinct, enhancing the area's natural beauty.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
24°F
Max:
57°F
Summer
Min:
37°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
23°F
Max:
55°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Households in Meridian Lake enjoy a median income of $89,200, with a low poverty rate of 7.1% and a high educational attainment—nearly half the adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The average commute is a manageable 21 minutes, and unemployment is low at 3.2%. The neighborhood is tight-knit, well-educated, and economically stable.
Median Income:
$57,800
Household Income:
$89,200
Family Income:
$102,300
Per Capita Income:
$43,500
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$45,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.6%
Rent:
$1,975
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.5%
Bachelors or More:
47.0%
Education
How are the schools in Meridian Lake, CO?
Local families benefit from highly rated public schools like Crested Butte Community School, which offers a favorable student-teacher ratio and serves around 740 students. Higher education is also accessible, with Western Colorado University just 30 miles away in Gunnison. Educational attainment is high in the area, supporting a strong learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Crested Butte Community School
Street:
818 Red Lady Ave
Phone:
970-641-7720
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Colleges
Name:
Western Colorado University
City:
Gunnison
State:
CO
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
2,900
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to Gunnison Valley Health Hospital, a well-equipped general and surgical hospital with emergency services located nearby. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, the community is well-served medically. Healthcare quality is strong, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gunnison Valley Health Hospital
Address:
711 N Taylor St, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone:
(970) 641-1456
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Meridian Lake, CO?
The housing market in Meridian Lake is robust, with a median home price of $575,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 66.4%. Rents for a two-bedroom average around $1,975, and the area has seen a healthy 6.2% home appreciation rate over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a stable and desirable market.
Median Home Price:
$575,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,975
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Meridian Lake residents are served by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Gunnison. All standard licensing, registration, and DMV services are easily accessible both in person and online. The office provides comprehensive support for new and current residents.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
302 N. Main St, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone:
(303) 205-5600
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.