What to know when moving to Meridian, ID
TL;DR: Meridian at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 43.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 28% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $96,361, which is quite strong for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,629, housing costs can be on the higher side.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,629/month in rent to find a decent place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Meridian is a rapidly growing area with a population of 58,049. The community is highly educated, with 43.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. This area has a relatively low poverty rate of 5.6%, contributing to its appeal. However, with only 28% of the population renting, it may feel less accessible for those looking for rental options. The local climate features about 12.3 inches of rain annually, so prepare for a bit of wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a lower cost of living or rely heavily on public transit, as the transit share is just 0.2%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,629, which is higher than many surrounding areas, making budgeting essential.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $492,300, indicating a strong housing market.
- With 5.6% of the population living below the poverty line, economic stability may be a concern for some.
- The renter percentage is relatively low at 28%, suggesting a homeowner-dominated market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Idaho's crime rates reveal a generally safe environment compared to national averages.
- Violent crime rate: 220.4 per 100,000, which is 32.2% lower than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate: 615.3 per 100,000, significantly below the national average of 1,546.9, marking a 35.7% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 29.6% since 2022, currently standing at 2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Idaho).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education options is strong, with numerous institutions nearby.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 14, with 10 located in Ada County.
- Notable nearby institutions include Boise State University and Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Ada County experiences an annual average precipitation of 12.3 inches, with around 89 rainy days each year. The area enjoys a relatively dry summer with only 1.4 inches of rain.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park - 4.7 stars, 3,001 reviews
- Settlers' Park - 4.7 stars, 2,962 reviews
- Eagle Island State Park - 4.6 stars, 2,773 reviews
- Warhawk Air Museum - 4.9 stars, 1,940 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Ada County's job market reflects a stable economy.
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% as of December 2025.
- Employment figures show 293,180 individuals are currently employed in the county.
- The labor force consists of 302,570 people, indicating a robust job market.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.