Meridian city, Mississippi Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Meridian city, Mississippi has a total population of 34,466, the 8th largest city in Mississippi, with a median household income of $34,657, which is 37% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 31.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 37% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (31.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Meridian city Quick Facts
How Meridian city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Meridian city Rankings in Mississippi
Explore Mississippi Rankings
Cities Similar to Meridian city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville city | 28,833 | $36,297 | $100,800 | 20.2% | 31.8% |
| Starkville city | 25,611 | $39,751 | $265,900 | 50.9% | 32.5% |
| Tupelo city | 37,825 | $66,314 | $201,300 | 35.1% | 13.8% |
| Pearl city | 27,458 | $54,643 | $170,900 | 26.3% | 12.6% |
| Columbus city | 23,616 | $40,588 | $121,200 | 25.8% | 21.6% |
Population Overview
Meridian city is a mid-sized community located in Mississippi. The total population is 34,466. It ranks as the 8th most populous out of 419 cities and towns in Mississippi.
Age Demographics
The median age in Meridian city is 39.4 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 38.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Meridian city is $34,657. This is 37% lower than the state median of $54,915. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 56% lower. The poverty rate stands at 31.9%. This is 68% higher than the state poverty rate of 19.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.2%. This is 20% higher than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $100,800. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $161,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Meridian city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 47.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% lower than the state average of 69.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Meridian city is Black or African American, making up 62.4% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 29.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (62.4% vs 36.9%).
Education
20.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 24.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 82.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Meridian city, Mississippi is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Mississippi state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 419 Census-designated places in Mississippi. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Meridian city, Mississippi?
Meridian city, Mississippi has a population of 34,466 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Meridian city, MS?
The median household income in Meridian city is $34,657, which is 56% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Meridian city, MS?
The poverty rate in Meridian city is 31.9%. This means approximately 10,638 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Meridian city, Mississippi?
Meridian city's population is 29.6% White, 62.4% Black, 2.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Meridian city, MS?
The median home value in Meridian city is $100,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Meridian city, Mississippi?
20.7% of adults (25+) in Meridian city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.