Meridian, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
34,137
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,562/yr
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,677
-1.1% year-over-year change

Meridian population

How many people live in Meridian

Meridian is home to 34,137 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of Meridian locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
34,137
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
15,930
Female
53.3%
18,207
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,930 46.7% 0.3%
Female 18,207 53.3% -2.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Meridian is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,863 20.1% 1.7%
15 to 24 4,388 12.8% -1.3%
25 to 44 8,383 24.6% -1.1%
45 to 64 8,298 24.3% -3.9%
Over 65 6,205 18.2% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Meridian, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 30.9% of locals are Caucasian, 59.8% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 33,289 97.5% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 429 1.3% -0.9%
Non-citizens 419 1.2% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
30.9%
Black or African American
59.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 10,539 30.9%
Black or African American 20,396 59.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.1%
Asian 417 1.2%
Two or more races 2,194 6.4%
Other 564 1.6%

Households in Meridian

A peek inside Meridian households

Meridian has 14,559 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.5% are families, while the remaining 45.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,559
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,619
Family households
7,940
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,619 45.5% 0.1%
Family households 7,940 54.5% -5.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Meridian

The housing landscape of Meridian

Meridian's housing consists of 17,677 units, with 60.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,677
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,710 60.6%
1 unit, attached 287 1.6%
2 units 845 4.8%
3 or 4 units 1,904 10.8%
5 to 9 units 1,634 9.2%
10 to 19 units 524 3%
20 to 49 units 569 3.2%
50 or more units 713 4%
Mobile home 491 2.8%
Homes built since 2020
20
42.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Meridian

In Meridian, the median construction year is 1969. About 8.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,572 8.9% 10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 952 5.4% -9.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,981 16.9% -0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,523 19.9% 1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,679 20.8% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,139 12.1% -11.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,095 6.2% 17.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,252 7.1% -11.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 464 2.6% -4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.1% 42.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Meridian occupancy rates

Out of the 14,559 occupied housing units in Meridian, 48.6% are owner-occupied, while 51.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,559
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,476
Owner occupied
7,083
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,476 51.4% -4.8%
Owner occupied 7,083 48.6% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
17.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Meridian housing costs

Housing costs in Meridian come to a median of $854 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $910.

Median housing costs per month
$854/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Meridian
$910/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Meridian

Meridian education at a glance

About 41.5% of the population in Meridian went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 11.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,071 4.1% 0.9%
High school diploma 10,803 41.5% -4.5%
College diploma 5,716 22% -2.7%
Associate degree 3,305 12.7% 2.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,894 11.1% 1.6%
Graduate degree 2,239 8.6% 6.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Meridian

How much people earn in Meridian

The average annual household income in Meridian was $57,202 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,562, reflecting a +5.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Meridian
$57,202/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Meridian
$36,562/year
5.5% year-over-year change

Meridian income by age

In Meridian, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,822. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $33,864 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,646, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,359 in earnings. Overall, 66.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,646 4.8%
25 - 44 $40,822 13.2%
45 - 64 $33,864 -2.5%
Over 65 $33,359 5.8%
Above poverty level
21,550
Below poverty level
11,005
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,550 66.2% -3.8%
Below poverty level 11,005 33.8% 5.7%

Average renter income in Meridian

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Meridian, their median household income was $21,472 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 50.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$21,472
Rent-to-income ratio
50.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Meridian

Workforce and job types in Meridian

The job market in Meridian is powered by 13,179 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 22.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,179
-3.6% year-over-year change
White collar
9,826
Blue collar
3,353
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,826 74.6% -7.5%
Blue collar 3,353 25.4% 10.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
22.4%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,082 8.2% -6.2%
Private companies 8,220 62.4% -6.9%
Governmental workers 2,955 22.4% 8.1%
Not for profit companies 922 7% -3.9%
Unemployment rate
7.9%
6.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Meridian stands at 7.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Meridian

How people get around in Meridian

Commuting methods vary: 91.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,119 91.3% -3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 21 0.2% -32.3%
Walk 137 1% -31.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Meridian by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39301 20,807 8,700 $41,766 $59,767
39305 21,638 8,782 $67,712 $88,975
39307 15,047 5,830 $30,413 $44,100
39309 335 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Meridian demographics 

What is the total population of Meridian?

Meridian has a total population of 34,137 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Meridian?

The gender ratio in Meridian is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (15,930 residents)
  • 53.3% females (18,207 residents)

What is the median age in Meridian?

The median age in Meridian is 39.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Meridian?

The age distribution in Meridian is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (6,863 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (4,388 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (8,383 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (8,298 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (6,205 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Meridian?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Meridian is as follows:
  • White: 30.9% (10,539 residents)
  • Black or African American: 59.8% (20,396 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (417 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (2,194 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (564 residents)

What percentage of the population in Meridian are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Meridian.

How many housing units are there in Meridian?

There are 17,677 housing units in Meridian, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Meridian and what is the average household size?

Meridian has a total of 14,559 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Meridian?

Meridian has a median household income of $36,562, representing a +5.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Meridian?

The employment rate is 92.1% in Meridian, with a workforce of 13,179 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.6% (9,826 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.4% (3,353 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (1,082 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (8,220 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.4% (2,955 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (922 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025