Meriden, CT
Population 60,418 · Connecticut
About Meriden, CT
Meriden is a mid-sized city located in Connecticut with a population of 60,418 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,617 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Meriden features a median home value of $221,600, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Meriden in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,243, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 26,804 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (14,798 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (9,911 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Meriden shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Meriden have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.2% of Meriden residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Black or African American, and 8.2% Asian residents, with 10.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Meriden Ranks in Connecticut
Cost of Living in Meriden, CT
Compared to national averages, Meriden has a median household income of $68,617 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $221,600, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,243 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Meriden's income is 44% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 57% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Meriden, CT?
Meriden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $221,600, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,617) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Meriden provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Meriden has a population of 60,418 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Meriden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Meriden
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol | 61,129 | $83,458 | $252,300 | Compare |
| West Hartford | 63,809 | $125,616 | $391,200 | Compare |
| West Haven | 55,147 | $73,566 | $265,200 | Compare |
| East Hartford | 50,798 | $66,943 | $215,400 | Compare |
| Milford city (balance), Connecticut | 50,749 | $110,126 | $377,400 | Compare |
| Middletown | 47,646 | $73,979 | $279,500 | Compare |
| New Britain | 73,301 | $57,036 | $207,300 | Compare |
| Shelton | 41,402 | $114,739 | $435,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Connecticut
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Meriden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Meriden
What is the population of Meriden, CT?
The population of Meriden, CT is 60,418 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Meriden?
The median household income in Meriden, CT is $68,617 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Meriden?
The median home value in Meriden, CT is $221,600, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Meriden?
The median monthly rent in Meriden, CT is $1,243, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Meriden?
The unemployment rate in Meriden, CT is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Meriden, CT a good place to live?
Meriden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 60,418 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Meriden, CT?
22.2% of residents in Meriden aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Meriden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Meriden, CT: median home value is $221,600 (10% below national), median rent is $1,243/month, and median household income is $68,617. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Meriden?
The poverty rate in Meriden, CT is 14.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Meriden, CT?
Meriden's population is 5.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Black or African American, 8.2% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 10.6% of residents are foreign-born.