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Is Parma a Good Place to Live? Parma, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Parma ranks #356 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($170,100, #42 of 524) and low rents ($1,087/mo, #83 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Parma by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Parma's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Parma?
Parma's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,087/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,443, 12% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Parma | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.9#414 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $219,443#164 of 1,187 | $248,803 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,346/mo#203 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $170,100#140 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,087/mo#309 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.8%#317 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Parma housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Parma is in the Cleveland-Elyria, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Parma safe?
Parma recorded 150 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 46% below Ohio's 276. That ranks #236 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #103 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Parma Police Department. Property crime runs 725 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Parma | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 150#236 of 1,085 | 276 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 725#101 of 1,085 | 1,429 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Parma?
The median household in Parma earns $69,295, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Parma | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $69,295#829 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.1%#507 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Parma?
The median resident of Parma is 42.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Parma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 24.4%#999 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 72.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Parma's schools and health?
Parma's 14 public schools graduate 87.5% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $16,200 spent per pupil. 32.5% of adults are obese and 11.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Parma | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87.5%#568 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.9#828 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,200#461 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32.5%#573 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.3%#676 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.1%#389 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,504 students are enrolled in Parma's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Parma?
The average commute in Parma is 24.2 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 1.1% of workers take transit and 11.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Parma scores 11.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #497 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.6°F and winters 31.5°F, with 41 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Parma | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.2 min#711 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.9% | 75.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.7% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.8#497 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35.8 | 22.3 | 3 |
| Feb | 38.5 | 23.7 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 47.1 | 30.7 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 60.1 | 40.8 | 3.8 |
| May | 71.1 | 51.4 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 79.8 | 61.1 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 83.7 | 65.3 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 82 | 63.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 75.6 | 57.1 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 63.7 | 46.5 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 51.3 | 36.7 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 40.4 | 28.2 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cleveland.
| Measure | Parma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 31.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cleveland.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Parma?
Cuyahoga County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cuyahoga County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Parma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#79 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cuyahoga County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cuyahoga County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.0065% | 42% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Parma compare with similar-size cities?
Parma is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #171 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 79,870.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #356 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 | 24.2 min |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #1197 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 | 21.1 min |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #1309 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 | 22.7 min |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #1095 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 | 18 min |
| Pine Hills, FLPop. 80,105 | #1284 | 39.0 | $58,673 | $1,542/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #510 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 | 17.5 min |
| Lakewood, CAPop. 79,850 | #702 | 54.9 | $119,177 | $2,347/mo | 356 | 28.4 min |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #631 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 | 22.5 min |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #455 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 | 16.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Parma compare with the rest of Ohio?
Parma ranks #4 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 4% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Ohio home.
| City | Rank in OH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin, OHPop. 49,294 | #1 | 71.5 | $160,296 | $1,686/mo | 109 |
| Lakewood, OHPop. 50,007 | #2 | 64.9 | $68,954 | $1,070/mo | 81 |
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #3 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #4 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 |
| Cuyahoga Falls, OHPop. 50,909 | #5 | 57.0 | $72,705 | $1,038/mo | 228 |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #6 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 |
| Euclid, OHPop. 48,823 | #7 | 52.9 | $50,285 | $1,025/mo | 106 |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #8 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 |
| Newark, OHPop. 50,783 | #9 | 51.2 | $61,670 | $973/mo | 297 |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #10 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #11 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #12 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 |
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #13 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #14 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #15 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #16 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #17 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #18 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #19 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 |
| Springfield, OHPop. 58,190 | #20 | 36.2 | $47,143 | $851/mo | 1,248 |
All 20 Ohio cities we track, by overall score. Ohio statewide: median income $72,212, violent crime 275.6 per 100,000.
How is Parma's score calculated?
Parma scores 60.8 out of 100, #356 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Ohio's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Parma. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Parma's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
92.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Parma. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Parma's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Parma's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Parma. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Parma. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Parma. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Parma's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
56.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
64.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Parma's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Parma has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Parma
Is Parma, OH a good place to live?
Parma ranks #356 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($170,100, #42 of 524) and low rents ($1,087/mo, #83 of 524), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Parma?
Parma's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,087/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,443, 12% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Parma?
Parma recorded 150 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 46% below Ohio's 276. That ranks #236 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #103 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Parma Police Department. Property crime runs 725 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Parma?
The median household in Parma earns $69,295, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Parma?
Median rent in Parma is $1,087/mo (Census), #309 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,346/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Parma?
The typical home value in Parma is $219,443, up 4.3% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $170,100.
How are the public schools in Parma?
Parma's 14 public schools graduate 87.5% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $16,200 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Parma?
The average commute is 24.2 minutes, #711 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Parma?
Parma averages 52.4°F over the year, 72.6°F in summer and 31.5°F in winter, with 41 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Parma walkable?
Parma scores 11.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #497 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Parma at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cuyahoga County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Parma?
Cuyahoga County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Parma?
Parma has 79,870 residents. The median resident of Parma is 42.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Parma compare with the rest of Ohio?
Parma ranks #4 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 4% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Parma?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Parma's population of 79,870 are Pharr, TX (#1197 overall), Flint, MI (#1309 overall), Jonesboro, AR (#1095 overall), Pine Hills, FL (#1284 overall), and Bloomington, IN (#510 overall). Parma is #356.