Meriden, IA
Population 130 · Iowa
About Meriden, IA
Meriden is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 130 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,661 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Meriden features a median home value of $98,300, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Meriden one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $625, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 81 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (47 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (20 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Meriden shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Meriden have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.6% 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 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Meriden, IA
Compared to national averages, Meriden has a median household income of $53,661 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $98,300, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $625 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Meriden's income is 21% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 26% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Meriden, IA?
Meriden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $98,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $625/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,661) that falls below the national average. However, Meriden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Meriden has a population of 130 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Meriden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Meriden
What is the population of Meriden, IA?
The population of Meriden, IA is 130 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Meriden?
The median household income in Meriden, IA is $53,661 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Meriden?
The median home value in Meriden, IA is $98,300, which is 60% 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, IA is $625, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Meriden?
The unemployment rate in Meriden, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Meriden, IA a good place to live?
Meriden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 130 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Meriden, IA?
11.6% 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, IA: median home value is $98,300 (60% below national), median rent is $625/month, and median household income is $53,661. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Meriden?
The poverty rate in Meriden, IA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Meriden, IA?
Meriden's population is 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.