Living in Meridian, ID
Meridian is the 197th-largest city in the US, home to about 143,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 21.4% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (98.4 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 142,988+21.4% since 2020
- Median home value
- $531,6005.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,805/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $100,795median, per year
- Price level
- 98.4US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 39° / 93°lows 26° / 62°
- Average commute
- 22 min19% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.3%top rate, flat
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County: Ada County
Time zone: Mountain Time (UTC-7, UTC-6 in summer)
Elevation: about 2,605 ft
Metro area: Boise City, ID
Cost of living in Meridian
The median home in Meridian is worth $531,600 and the median household earns $100,795 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,805 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Boise City, ID metro area at 98.4, with housing at 105.6 and goods at 96.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,800 here. Idaho taxes wages at a top rate of 5.3% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Idaho is 6.03%.
What would my salary be worth in Meridian?
Meridian weather
Average highs run from 39°F in January to 93°F in July, and January nights average 26°F. It gets 12 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 18 inches of snow. Expect about 55 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 108 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to June and September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Meridian
People and work
The median resident is 37.5 years old, and 44% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 75% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 19% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.5338th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 44%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 75%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,85137.1 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 2.7%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 2007median year
Who moves to Meridian, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Anaheim (Orange County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and San Diego (San Diego County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Seattle (King County) and Provo (Utah County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Ada County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, wildfire, strong wind, lightning.
Home prices
+3.7% in a year
Up 26% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Boise City, ID area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
50% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Boise City, ID area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Meridian
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Boise State University 10 miles
- College of Western Idaho 5 miles
- Northwest Nazarene University 9 miles
- The College of Idaho 14 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Meridian
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Boise Airport BOI | 9 mi | 2,475,370 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Meridian
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | 10 mi | 17,674 | $18,423 | 61% |
| College of Western Idaho | 5 mi | 6,459 | $11,193 | n/a |
| The College of Idaho | 14 mi | 1,041 | $19,602 | 68% |
| Northwest Nazarene University | 9 mi | 1,024 | $25,262 | 60% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Meridian
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 24, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 8 and the first frost comes around October 21.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Boise Air Terminal, ID, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Meridian.
Wildfire smoke in Meridian
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Meridian on about 70 days a year, including about 31 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Meridian
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 48,038 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Meridian
Downtown Meridian is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian Joint School District 2 | Pre-K to 12 | 38,740 | 62 | 18.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Boise City Independent School District 1 (22,134 students), Nampa School District 131 (12,689 students), Vallivue School District 139 (10,339 students), Kuna Joint School District 3 (5,778 students), Middleton School District 134 (4,306 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Meridian's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Meridian's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Lehi, UT79% matchCompare
- West Jordan, UT75% matchCompare
- Sparks, NV75% matchCompare
- Reno, NV74% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Meridian
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Meridian
- Bogus Basin 18 miles
- Tamarack Resort 74 miles
- Soldier Mountain 79 miles
- Little Ski Hill 92 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Meridian
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data The city is growing fast (+21.4% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Meridian report card from locals
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Meridian through locals' eyes
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Cities near Meridian
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise, ID | 8 mi | 238,429 | $484,800 | 98.4 | Compare |
| Nampa, ID | 10 mi | 120,384 | $370,800 | 98.4 | Compare |
| Caldwell, ID | 18 mi | 76,629 | $367,300 | 98.4 | Compare |
| Kennewick, WA | 223 mi | 88,366 | $370,700 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Pasco, WA | 225 mi | 82,848 | $376,300 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Bend, OR | 247 mi | 107,342 | $718,400 | 103.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Meridian with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Meridian a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, short commutes. Compare Meridian side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Meridian?
The Census Bureau estimates Meridian had 142,988 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 117,810 in April 2020 (+21.4%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Meridian?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,800 in the Meridian area. The median household here earns $100,795.
When is the best time to visit Meridian?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to June and September are the most comfortable months. July averages 93°F and January 39°F for daytime highs.
What county is Meridian in?
Meridian is in Ada County, Idaho. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Meridian in?
Meridian is on Mountain Time (UTC-7, or UTC-6 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Meridian?
About 2,605 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Idaho have a state income tax?
Yes. Idaho has a flat income tax with a top rate of 5.3% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Meridian. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Boise City, ID metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Boise Air Terminal, ID station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.