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.

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Who regulates Meridian interstate movers?

Meridian moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Idaho

Let's see how many people move within Idaho versus those who moved from Gem State to another state.

Moved Within ID
25%
Moved out of ID
75%

Interestingly enough, the interstate moves originating in Idaho are four times more than the intrastate moves that never crossed the boundaries of the state (long-distance moves: 75%; local moves: 25%).

For whatever reasons, more Idahoans have decided to move out of Idaho and its state capital Boise. Getting ready for a long-distance move is never a joke, so it’s imperative to follow a good moving checklist for guidance throughout the move.

Who regulates Idaho local movers

Intrastate movers in Idaho are regulated by the Idaho Transportation Department and are required to be registered with the DOT in order to operate legally within the Gem State. If you’re unable to resolve a dispute with a local Idaho moving company, contact the Department for assistance on how to resolve the issue.

Agency: Idaho Transportation Department
Address: 3311 W. State Street P.O. Box 7129, Boise, Idaho 83707-1129
Phone: (208) 334-8000
Website: www.itd.idaho.gov

What do people move within Idaho?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in ID?

Studio (2%)
1 Bedroom (17%)
2 Bedroom (22%)
3 Bedroom (34%)
4 Bedroom (11%)

Get a Precise Moving Quote

Check out our detailed moving guides:

How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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