Treasure Valley Demographics

Perhaps the most remarkable population trait about Meridian is its explosive growth (See Population Table and Population Figure). Between 1990 and 2000, the community grew by 264% to just under 35,000. The growth continues, with current estimates exceeding 41,000 and little slowdown expected in the foreseeable future. Few cities in the entire U.S. have sustained such rates for so long a period. This expansion has exceptional potential for Downtown Meridian. New residents aren't just more potential markets; they represent potential businesses and employees for city center enterprises.

Meridian is also a very young town, with the highest proportion of youth (18 and younger) of any Treasure Valley community. The city also leads the Valley in the proportion of young adults (25-44). Indeed, young families are a key feature of Meridian's dynamic demographics and represent a clear and substantial target market for the city center (See Age Makeup Figure).

Another growing segment of Meridian's residents is that key group, the Baby Boomers, moving toward retirement age. Referred to now as the "Grey Tsunami," these people are distinctly different from their elders. They tend to be more liberal, much more inclined toward social activities and have considerably more discretionary income. As with young families, this group is a clear target markets.

Meridian residents have a very high median income, about $53,300, compared to rest of the Treasure Valley (See Income Table). Only Eagle's is higher. The percentage of people living in poverty is also exceptionally low, at 5.4%. These figures, and the general makeup of household incomes demonstrate that Meridian's families are an economic power highly attractive to local marketing strategists.

Click for Population Trends Figure

Meridian's household size is the largest in the Treasure Valley (See Housing Characteristics Table). This strength comes from two key traits: the highest rate of family households and the highest proportion of children among the five largest towns in the area. Again, youth, well-to-do young adults and families are key markets that are easily reached within the city limits. Downtown marketers do not need to reach out beyond their own community for outstanding markets well suited for high amenity, family oriented development.

Residential construction is booming all over Treasure Valley so statistics need to be very current to be reliable. However, trends since 2000 appear to be holding in Meridian , with the added incentive of dramatically low mortgage interest rates. Census information shows that Meridian had the lowest vacancy rate in the Valley and the second highest housing value (See Housing Occupancy Table). This demonstrates the buying power of local consumers and the attractiveness of Meridian as a long-term home for incoming residents.