Quick answer
Meridian is Idaho's second-largest city, with about 143,000 residents in 2025, located between Boise and Nampa along I-84. It suits people who want a newer home, parks and pathways, and quick access to shopping and the freeway. Zillow's typical home value in Meridian was about $535,600 in September 2026.
Meridian at a glance
Meridian added about 3,395 residents in 2025, the second-largest gain of any Idaho city. (Idaho Department of Labor)
In Ada County, Boise Regional REALTORS® reported a median sale price of $575,000 on 854 home sales in September 2026, with homes averaging 39 days on market (September 2026 market report).
Who Meridian fits best
- You want a newer or nearly new home
- You want an easy commute anywhere in the valley
- You want errands, parks and dining close by
What people love about Meridian
- Many newer subdivisions with parks and pathways
- Central location with I-84 access east to Boise and west to Nampa
- The Village at Meridian for shopping, dining and events
- A revitalized Old Town Meridian
Things to consider before moving to Meridian
- Busy arterial roads at rush hour as the city keeps growing
- Many neighborhoods have HOAs, so read the rules before you buy
- Newer subdivisions often have smaller lots and younger trees
Schools serving Meridian
Meridian is mainly served by West Ada School District. School boundaries don't always follow city limits, so confirm the assignment for any address with the district before you buy.
How Meridian compares
See all seven towns side by side, with home values and population, in our Treasure Valley town comparison. Also see the best places to live in Idaho, the best suburbs of Boise, and the town guides:
- Moving to Boise, Idaho
- Moving to Eagle, Idaho
- Moving to Star, Idaho
- Moving to Nampa, Idaho
- Moving to Caldwell, Idaho
- Moving to Kuna, Idaho
Meridian FAQ
Is Meridian, Idaho a good place to live?
Meridian is a good fit if you want a newer or nearly new home. In short: convenient, newer, everything nearby. Whether it's right for you depends on your budget, commute and the kind of home you want, which is what our free town-match quiz helps sort out.
How much does a house cost in Meridian, Idaho?
Zillow's typical home value in Meridian was $535,629 in September 2026. That ranks #5 from most affordable of the seven Treasure Valley towns we cover. Countywide, the median sale price in Ada County was $575,000 in September 2026, according to Boise Regional REALTORS®.
What is the population of Meridian, Idaho?
Meridian had an estimated 142,988 residents on July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Vintage 2025 estimates. Meridian added about 3,395 residents in 2025, the second-largest gain of any Idaho city.
What county is Meridian, Idaho in?
Meridian is in Ada County, Idaho, part of the Boise metro area known as the Treasure Valley.
What school district serves Meridian?
Meridian is mainly served by West Ada School District. Boundaries don't always follow city lines, so always confirm the school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Do I pay state income tax if I move to Meridian?
Yes. Idaho has a flat individual income tax rate of 5.3%, and a 6% state sales tax. Groceries are taxed, but residents can claim a grocery credit on their Idaho return.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city population estimates
- Boise Regional REALTORS®, Ada County Market Report, September 2026
- Idaho State Tax Commission, individual income tax rate
- Idaho State Tax Commission, grocery credit
- Idaho Department of Labor, Idaho at Work: city population gains in 2025
- Zillow Home Value Index, Meridian
- City of Meridian