Meridian, MS
Population 34,466 · Mississippi
About Meridian, MS
Meridian is a mid-sized city in Mississippi with a population of 34,466 residents. The median household income is $34,657 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Meridian is 39.4 years.
Housing in Meridian has a median home value of $100,800 and median monthly rent of $865. Of the 17,873 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 7,126 owner-occupied and 7,852 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Meridian is 7.2% and the poverty rate is 31.9%. 20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.8 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Meridian
What is the population of Meridian, MS?
The population of Meridian, MS is 34,466 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Meridian?
The median household income in Meridian, MS is $34,657 per year.
What is the median home value in Meridian?
The median home value in Meridian, MS is $100,800.
What is the average rent in Meridian?
The median monthly rent in Meridian, MS is $865.
What is the unemployment rate in Meridian?
The unemployment rate in Meridian, MS is 7.2%.