Meridian, ID
Population 124,865 · Idaho
About Meridian, ID
Meridian is a major city located in Idaho with a population of 124,865 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $98,686 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Meridian features a median home value of $485,000, which is 98% above the national median of $244,900. This places Meridian in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,714, 47% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 46,762 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (34,607 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (10,879 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Meridian shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Meridian have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.4% of Meridian residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 7.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 4.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Meridian Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Meridian, ID
Compared to national averages, Meridian has a median household income of $98,686 (31% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $485,000, which is 98% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,714 is 47% above the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Meridian's income is 51% above the state average of $65,190, and home values are 77% above the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Meridian, ID?
Meridian offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $98,686, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and a well-educated community where 44.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $485,000. However, as a major city, Meridian provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Meridian has a population of 124,865 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Meridian with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Meridian
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nampa | 106,289 | $72,122 | $332,500 | Compare |
| Idaho Falls | 66,672 | $69,630 | $298,600 | Compare |
| Caldwell | 63,465 | $66,663 | $322,100 | Compare |
| Pocatello | 57,152 | $57,931 | $240,600 | Compare |
| Coeur d'Alene | 55,558 | $70,845 | $451,600 | Compare |
| Twin Falls | 53,219 | $60,760 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Post Falls | 41,716 | $73,313 | $425,100 | Compare |
| Rexburg | 39,589 | $50,359 | $384,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Idaho
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Meridian With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Meridian
What is the population of Meridian, ID?
The population of Meridian, ID is 124,865 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Meridian?
The median household income in Meridian, ID is $98,686 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Meridian?
The median home value in Meridian, ID is $485,000, which is 98% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Meridian?
The median monthly rent in Meridian, ID is $1,714, which is 47% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Meridian?
The unemployment rate in Meridian, ID is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Meridian, ID a good place to live?
Meridian offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 124,865 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Meridian, ID?
44.4% of residents in Meridian aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Meridian?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Meridian, ID: median home value is $485,000 (98% above national), median rent is $1,714/month, and median household income is $98,686. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Meridian?
The poverty rate in Meridian, ID is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Meridian, ID?
Meridian's population is 7.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 4.8% of residents are foreign-born.