Meridian, MS
Population 34,466 · Mississippi
About Meridian, MS
Meridian is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 34,466 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,657 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 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 $100,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Meridian one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $865, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,873 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (7,126 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (7,852 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Meridian shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Meridian have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Meridian 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 0.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Meridian Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Meridian, MS
Compared to national averages, Meridian has a median household income of $34,657 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $100,800, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $865 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Meridian's income is 31% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 20% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Meridian, MS?
Meridian offers affordable housing with a median home value of $100,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $865/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,657) that falls below the national average. However, Meridian’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Meridian has a population of 34,466 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Meridian with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Meridian
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tupelo | 37,825 | $66,314 | $201,300 | Compare |
| Greenville | 28,833 | $36,297 | $100,800 | Compare |
| Madison | 27,775 | $120,918 | $334,700 | Compare |
| Pearl | 27,458 | $54,643 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Clinton | 27,418 | $70,913 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Horn Lake | 26,622 | $56,847 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 26,086 | $59,901 | $333,400 | Compare |
| Starkville | 25,611 | $39,751 | $265,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
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, MS?
The population of Meridian, MS is 34,466 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Meridian?
The median household income in Meridian, MS is $34,657 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Meridian?
The median home value in Meridian, MS is $100,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Meridian?
The median monthly rent in Meridian, MS is $865, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Meridian?
The unemployment rate in Meridian, MS is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Meridian, MS a good place to live?
Meridian offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 34,466 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Meridian, MS?
20.7% of residents in Meridian 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 Meridian?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Meridian, MS: median home value is $100,800 (59% below national), median rent is $865/month, and median household income is $34,657. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Meridian?
The poverty rate in Meridian, MS is 31.9%, 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 Meridian, MS?
Meridian's population is 0.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 62.4% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.