Meridian is the second-largest city in Ada County, Idaho, USA, and the third-largest in the state. As of July 2007, the population estimate of Meridian was 64,642.[1]
Having recently surpassed the eastern Idaho cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls, the 2007 estimates placed Meridian as the third-largest city in Idaho behind Boise and Nampa, all in the Treasure Valley. Meridian is the state's fastest-growing city, with a 81.5 percent increase in population since 2000.[2]
The Meridian School District is the largest in the state. Meridian is part of the Boise metropolitan area.
Geography
Meridian is located at 43°36′51″N 116°23′56″W / 43.61417°N 116.39889°W / 43.61417; -116.39889 (43.614229, -116.398963)[3].
According to the U.S. Census, the city has a total area of 11.8 sq mi, all land.
ZIP codes: 83642, 83646 (As of July 1, 2006)
History
The town was estabilished in 1891 on the Onweiler farm north of the present site and was called Hunter. Two years later an I.O.O.F. lodge was organized and called itself Meridian because it was located on the Boise Meridian and the town was renamed. The Settlers' Irrigation Ditch, 1892, changed the arid region into a productive farming community which was incorporated in 1902.[4]
Demographics
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 34,919 people, 11,829 households, and 9,515 families residing in the city (although today, the city's population on street signs is 56,108). The population density was 2,962.1/sq mi. There were 12,293 housing units at an average density of 1,042.8/sq mi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.3% White, 0.7% African American, 1% Native American, 2% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.9% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.7% of the population.
| Historical populations |
| Census |
Pop. |
|
%± |
| 1900 |
200 |
|
—
|
| 1910 |
619 |
|
209.5% |
| 1920 |
1,013 |
|
63.7% |
| 1930 |
1,004 |
|
−0.9% |
| 1940 |
1,465 |
|
45.9% |
| 1950 |
1,810 |
|
23.5% |
| 1960 |
2,081 |
|
15.0% |
| 1970 |
2,616 |
|
25.7% |
| 1980 |
6,658 |
|
154.5% |
| 1990 |
9,596 |
|
44.1% |
| 2000 |
34,919 |
|
263.9% |
| Est. 2007 |
64,642 |
|
85.1% |
| source:[6][7] |
There were 11,829 households out of which 49% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.4% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.6% were non-families. 14.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.26.
In the city the population was spread out with 33.7% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 37.1% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $53,276, and the median income for a family was $57,077. Males had a median income of $40,360 versus $27,174 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,150. About 4.6% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.
Famous residents
Notes
External links
