Is Parma Safe, Pros and cons of living in Parma

Parma, Ohio, a prominent suburb of Cleveland, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Situated just south of the larger city, Parma provides a distinct community atmosphere with a population estimated at 79,350 in 2024 (according to Wikipedia). This makes it the seventh-most populous city in Ohio and the largest suburb within the state, underscoring its significant role in the region’s residential landscape. The city’s location provides residents with convenient access to the amenities and opportunities of the Greater Cleveland area, which has an estimated 2,171,877 residents in 2024 (according to Wikipedia).

The demographic makeup of Parma reflects a diverse population with a median age of 42.4 years (according to Census Reporter and Data USA). The city is predominantly White, with approximately 80.9% of residents identifying as such (according to Data USA and Parma Demographics). Other significant racial groups include Hispanic (around 8.4%), Black or African American (about 5.4%), and Asian (approximately 3%) (according to Parma Demographics and Niche). This diverse composition contributes to the unique cultural fabric of the community.

Is it Safe to Live in Parma?

Parma presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often compared favorably to national averages. The city’s overall crime rate is approximately 8 per 1,000 residents, which is near the average for cities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout). This indicates that your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Parma is about 1 in 120 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

When examining specific crime categories, Parma’s violent crime rate is reported at about 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is considered average nationally (according to NeighborhoodScout). The property crime rate in Parma is approximately 7 per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). While some analyses suggest Parma’s crime rate is higher than the average US city and ranks in the 25th percentile for safety, other sources indicate that Parma has one of the lowest violent crime rates among U.S. cities of its size (according to CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crimes in Parma include offenses such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, murder, and rape. The violent crime rate in Parma is reported to be 33.0 per 100,000 residents between 2019 and 2023, which is significantly below the national average (according to Police Scorecard). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Parma is approximately 1 in 835 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

The FBI Crime Data Explorer indicates that Parma recorded 1,927 violent crimes between 2019 and 2023 (according to Police Scorecard). Rape has the lowest rate among violent offenses, with approximately 2.5 per 100,000 residents (according to Police Scorecard). Aggravated assault has a higher rate, but still remains below national averages.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crimes in Parma encompass offenses like burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson. The property crime rate in Parma is approximately 710 per 100,000 residents, which is notably lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). Between 2019 and 2023, the city recorded 3,284 property crimes (according to Police Scorecard).

Larceny is the most common property crime in Parma, with a rate of 30.4 per 1,000 residents (according to Police Scorecard). Burglary and motor vehicle theft also occur, but their rates are lower than the national averages for these offenses (according to Police Scorecard).

Housing and Cost of Living

Parma offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living in Parma is about 12% less expensive than the U.S. average and 3% less expensive than the average city in Ohio (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for many.

The median home value in Parma is approximately $206,811 as of November 30, 2025 (according to Zillow). Rental prices are also competitive, with the average rent for an apartment in Parma being around $914 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This is 44% lower than the national average rent, making Parma a more accessible option for renters compared to many other U.S. cities.

Housing Market Trends

Parma’s housing market shows signs of stability and moderate appreciation. The median listing price for homes in Parma is around $222.4K, indicating a solid entry point for potential buyers (according to Housing Market and Rental Trends). Homes are spending less time on the market, with a year-over-year change of 15.79% in median days on market, suggesting increased buyer interest and faster turnover (according to Housing Market and Rental Trends).

The median sale price has seen a year-over-year increase of 5.93%, reflecting continued market appreciation in Parma (according to Housing Market and Rental Trends). The price per square foot for a median sale in Parma is $128, offering a useful metric for evaluating property values across different neighborhoods.

Rental Market Overview

The rental market in Parma is characterized by affordability and a variety of options. The average rent in Parma, OH, is $914 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This figure is substantially lower than the national average, making Parma an attractive location for renters seeking value.

For those looking for specific unit sizes, a studio apartment averages about $779 per month, a one-bedroom is around $914, and a two-bedroom typically costs $1,139 (according to Apartments.com). Three-bedroom rentals can be found for $1,376 or more per month (according to Apartments.com). The rental market has seen a slight decrease of 0.2% in the last year, indicating a stable rental environment.

Job Market and Economy

Parma boasts a robust job market with a strong employment rate. The employment rate in Parma, OH, is currently 93.88%, indicating a healthy economy with ample opportunities for its residents (according to BestNeighborhood.org). The city’s labor force consists of approximately 41,857 people, with a low unemployment rate of 3.3% (according to ZoomProspector).

The median household income in Parma was $69,295 in 2024 (according to Parma Demographics). This figure is slightly above the median household income for Ohio ($72,212) and comparable to the Cleveland metropolitan area ($72,532) (according to Census Reporter). The majority of working residents are employed in professional or administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Major Employers

While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, Parma’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries. The city’s proximity to Cleveland provides access to a larger employment base. Many residents work in professional or administrative roles, suggesting a strong presence of service-based industries and corporate offices within the wider Cleveland metropolitan area.

The job market is powered by 42,243 working residents, with a significant portion, 74.8%, employed in professional or administrative positions (according to Point2Homes). This indicates a demand for skilled labor and professional services within Parma and its surrounding areas.

Unemployment Rate

Parma’s unemployment rate is consistently low, reflecting a stable job market. The unemployment rate in Parma is reported at 3.3% (according to ZoomProspector), which is significantly lower than the national average. This low rate suggests that most residents who are seeking employment are able to find it, contributing to the city’s economic stability.

Data from YCharts shows Parma, OH unemployment at 1,667.00 as of a recent report, which represents a 13.25% increase from the previous month but a 14.43% decrease from one year ago. This fluctuation is typical of monthly economic reports and does not negate the overall low unemployment trend.

Climate and Weather

Parma experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The annual temperature in Parma averages around 11.41ºC (52.54ºF), which is slightly lower than the United States average (according to Climate Zone). The city experiences distinct seasons, with average high temperatures reaching into the low 80s°F during the summer months and dropping into the low 30s°F in the winter.

The city receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 43 inches, with about 56 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with July typically being the wettest month. Winter months see significant snowfall, contributing to the characteristic winter weather of the region.

Average Temperatures

Throughout the year, temperatures in Parma typically range from a low of 21°F in the winter to a high of 83°F in the summer (according to myPerfectWeather). The warm season, from late May to mid-September, offers average daily high temperatures above 72°F. July is generally the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 65°F (according to Parma Heights Climate).

Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 43°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 22°F and highs of 34°F (according to Parma Heights Climate). These temperature ranges are typical for a Midwestern climate.

Rainfall and Snowfall

Parma receives an average of 43 inches of precipitation annually, which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (according to myPerfectWeather). The city experiences about 44.91 rainy days per year, or roughly 12.3% of the time (according to Climate Zone).

Winter brings significant snowfall, with an average of 56 inches annually (according to myPerfectWeather). This snowfall contributes to the winter landscape and offers opportunities for winter recreational activities. The wettest month is typically July, while January sees the fewest wet days.

Education and Demographics

Parma’s educational landscape is characterized by a commitment to providing quality learning opportunities for its residents. The city has a population where 25.1% of individuals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and 91.6% have a high school diploma (according to Wikipedia). These figures suggest a well-educated populace.

The demographic data for Parma indicates a population with a median age of 42.4 years (according to Census Reporter). Approximately 18.3% of residents are under 18, and 19.6% are 65 or older (according to Wikipedia). This age distribution suggests a balanced community with both younger families and a significant senior population.

School Ratings

Information regarding specific school ratings for Parma is not detailed in the provided search results. However, the general educational attainment levels suggest that the school systems in Parma are effective in preparing students for higher education and the workforce. Further research into individual school district performance would be necessary for a comprehensive understanding.

The educational attainment statistics for Parma show that a significant portion of the adult population has completed high school and pursued further education. This suggests a strong emphasis on education within the community and a supportive environment for learning.

Population Demographics

Parma’s population was estimated at 79,350 in 2024, reflecting a slight decrease from the 2020 census figure of 81,146 (according to Wikipedia). The city is part of the Greater Cleveland area, which has a much larger population. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with slightly more females than males in the population (according to Wikipedia and Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Parma is predominantly White (around 80%), with smaller but significant populations of Hispanic, Black or African American, and Asian residents (according to Parma Demographics and Niche). This diversity contributes to the vibrant community life in Parma.

Pros and Cons of Living in Parma

Parma offers a compelling mix of advantages and potential drawbacks for prospective residents. The city’s affordability, relatively low crime rates, and suburban charm are significant draws. However, like any city, it has aspects that might not appeal to everyone.

The cost of living in Parma is notably lower than the national average, making it an economically attractive place to reside (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Coupled with a stable job market and a median home price that is accessible for many, Parma presents a solid option for those seeking value.

Pros of Living in Parma

One of the primary advantages of living in Parma is its affordability. The cost of living is below the national average, making it easier for residents to manage their finances (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). The housing market, with a median home value around $206,811 (according to Zillow) and average rents of $914 per month (according to Apartments.com), offers accessible options for both buyers and renters.

Furthermore, Parma is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are often lower than national averages, particularly for violent crimes (according to NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). The city’s suburban setting provides a quieter lifestyle while still offering convenient access to the amenities and employment opportunities of Cleveland.

Cons of Living in Parma

While Parma offers many benefits, potential residents should consider certain aspects. Some analyses indicate that Parma’s overall crime rate is higher than the average U.S. city, and it ranks in the 25th percentile for safety (according to CrimeGrade.org). This suggests that while violent crime may be low, property crime warrants attention.

Additionally, the median individual income in Parma ($38,206 in 2024, according to Data USA) is lower than the median household income ($69,295, according to Parma Demographics). This disparity might indicate a need for careful financial planning for some households, especially considering the varying job market salaries, which range widely depending on occupation and experience (according to ZipRecruiter).