Mississippi / Lauderdale County

Moving to Meridian, MS

Thinking of making a move to Meridian, MS? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Meridian, MS

Considering a move to Meridian, MS? This welcoming community of 34,424 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $90,800 and average rents near $800. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Meridian's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Meridian, MS

Meridian has a population of 34,424 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 36% White, 60% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Meridian is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 77.2. Median home values are around $90,800 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $800. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Meridian is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 565 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Mississippi.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
71°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches
57.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $37,500 and a low poverty rate of 29.7%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Meridian High School and Northwest Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University - Meridian Campus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Anderson Regional Medical Center and Rush Foundation Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 85.3% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 strong, with a median home price of $90,800 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 4.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 10.7%. Meridian offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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 of Meridian handle vehicle services through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Driver Service Bureau, conveniently located in Meridian. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Mississippi
Department
Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Driver Service Bureau
Address
910 Hwy 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307
Phone
(601) 482-9755

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.

FAQs About Moving to Meridian, MS

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Meridian, review the core fields on this page: population 34,424, median home value $90,800, average rent for 2 bedroom $800, commute time 20.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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