According to the 2000 census there are 1,672 people, 654 households, and 451 families residing in the city. There are 654 households out of which 33.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them.

60.6% are married couples living together.

5.7% have a female head of household with no husband present.

31.0% are non-families.

29.4% of all households are made up of individuals.

17.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older.

The average household size is 2.44 and the average family size is 3.03.

In the city the population is spread out with 26.7% under the age of 18,

5.9% from 18 to 24,

25.7% from 25 to 44,

19.4% from 45 to 64,

22.2% who are 65 years of age or older.

The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $32,583.

The median income for a family is $40,357.

Males have a median income of $27,813 versus $20,764 for females.

The per capita income for the city is $15,910. 5.7% of the population and 3.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 4.6% of those under the age of 18 and 8.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

We are in the process of doing another survey to up date the above figures.

This brings up a statement that was made in a council meeting “Meade is a retirement city”. Is it? No, Do we want it to be? I’m not sure…If so, we need to look at the following questions:

Is the City of Meade a City seniors are looking for to move into?

Do we have seniors moving to Meade?

What does the City of Meade offer seniors?

Does our City answer to the needs of the seniors?

What can we do to make it better?

From the demographics it shows us facts that we only have 22% retired citizens.

Are we a retirement city? What percent will that be in 5 years? We have more retired citizens moving out, not staying in Meade. 5.9% of our citizens are 18 to 24 years old. 45.1% of our citizens are 25 to 64 years old.

Now look at the other side, we have 51% of our citizens are under 64 years old.

What does Meade offer them?

Good educational program? YES

Safe place to live and raise a family? YES

Job opportunities? Very few

Appropriate housing? Questionable

What do we need to do?