Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Meridian, MS
Considering a move to Meridian, MS? With a population of around 34,400 and a median home price of just $90,800, Meridian offers affordable Southern living. Residents enjoy a low average rent of $800, short 20-minute commutes, and a mild climate with 62% sunny days a year. While crime rates are higher than national averages, the city features strong healthcare options, convenient access to higher education, and a welcoming community. Explore more about Meridian’s cost of living, schools, and lifestyle to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Demographics - Meridian, MS
Demographics - Meridian, MS
Meridian is home to about 34,400 residents, with a population density of 980 people per square mile and a median age of 36.8 years. The city has a predominantly Black community, making up over 60% of the population, and features a balanced gender ratio. Non-English speakers are a small minority, contributing to a primarily English-speaking environment.
Population:
34,424
Density:
980 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
86 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
35.7%
Black:
60.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Meridian, MS?
Meridian boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of just $90,800 and average gross rent around $800 per month. The overall cost of living index is 77.2, well below the national average, making housing, groceries, and utilities notably affordable. Residents also benefit from relatively low state income tax rates ranging from 3% to 5%.
Median House Value:
$90,800
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.2
Grocery:
93.6
Housing:
44.3
Utilities:
94.8
Transportation:
86.2
Health Care:
91.7
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Meridian, MS a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 565 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,450 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 177 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 29 chance for property crime. It's important for newcomers to consider neighborhood safety when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
565
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,450
Crime Index:
4,015
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 177
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Meridian, MS year-round?
Meridian enjoys a mild Southern climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 34°F to 58°F and summer highs reaching up to 92°F. The city receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 62% of the year. These conditions make for comfortable living and support a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical households in Meridian have a median income of $37,500, with nearly 30% of the population living below the poverty line. Most residents have a high school diploma, while just under one-fifth hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is a manageable 20 minutes, and public transportation usage remains low.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$37,500
Family Income:
$44,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,100
Income Male:
$37,500
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
29.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Meridian, MS?
Meridian provides diverse educational opportunities, including public and private K-12 schools and local colleges like Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University’s Meridian Campus. Public schools typically feature student-teacher ratios around 15:1, fostering personalized learning environments. The presence of higher education institutions offers convenient options for continuing education and career advancement.

Public Schools
Name:
Meridian High School
Street:
2320 32nd St
Phone:
601-485-3848
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Northwest Middle School
Street:
5000 North Hills Street
Phone:
601-485-4481
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Lamar School
Street:
544 Lamar Blvd
Phone:
601-482-1345
Students:
900

Colleges
Name:
Meridian Community College
City:
Meridian
State:
MS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus
City:
Meridian
State:
MS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Meridian offers access to quality healthcare, anchored by major facilities like Anderson Regional Medical Center and Rush Foundation Hospital, both providing emergency services. The city has 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and a strong health insurance coverage rate of 85.3%. Healthcare services are accessible and comprehensive for most residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Anderson Regional Medical Center
Address:
2124 14th St, Meridian, MS 39301
Phone:
(601) 553-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Rush Foundation Hospital
Address:
1314 19th Ave, Meridian, MS 39301
Phone:
(601) 483-0011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.3%
Health Care Index:
66.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Meridian, MS?
The local housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $90,800 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $800. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the city maintains a relatively high rental vacancy rate of 10.7%. Home values have appreciated modestly in recent years, making Meridian attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$90,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver's license and vehicle services through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Driver Service Bureau, conveniently located on Hwy 19 North. The Meridian office is the go-to location for all state DMV needs, offering standard services and support. For more information, residents can visit the department’s official website or call the local office.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Driver Service Bureau
Address:
910 Hwy 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307
Phone:
(601) 482-9755
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.