Living in Parma, OH
Parma is the 479th-largest city in the US, home to about 79,000 people in 2025. It has lost 3.1% of its population since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (93.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 78,581-3.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $170,1002.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,087/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $69,295median, per year
- Price level
- 93.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 36° / 84°lows 22° / 65°
- Average commute
- 24 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.75%top rate, flat
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County: Cuyahoga County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 866 ft
Metro area: Cleveland, OH
Cost of living in Parma
The median home in Parma is worth $170,100 and the median household earns $69,295 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,087 a month, about 19% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Cleveland, OH metro area at 93.9, with housing at 79.4 and goods at 93.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $70,400 here. Ohio taxes wages at a top rate of 2.75% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Ohio is 7.29%.
What would my salary be worth in Parma?
Parma weather
Average highs run from 36°F in January to 84°F in July, and January nights average 22°F. It gets 41 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 64 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 111 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Parma
People and work
The median resident is 42.4 years old, and 24% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 72% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 42.4504th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 24%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 72%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,92520.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 6.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 10.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1958median year
Who moves to Parma, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Columbus (Franklin County), Chicago (Cook County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Columbus (Franklin County), Chicago (Cook County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Cuyahoga County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, cold wave, inland flooding, heat wave.
Home prices
+4.4% in a year
Up 48% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Cleveland, OH area, 2026 Q2.
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Parma
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Progressive Field 8 miles
- Kent State University at Kent 26 miles
- Cleveland State University 9 miles
- University of Akron Main Campus 24 miles
- Case Western Reserve University 11 miles
- Baldwin Wallace University 6 miles
- Lakeland Community College 26 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Parma
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Hopkins International Airport CLE | 7 mi | 4,950,345 |
| Akron-Canton Airport CAK | 36 mi | 380,232 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Parma
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Akron Main Campus | 24 mi | 9,052 | $13,072 | 53% |
| Cleveland State University | 9 mi | 8,969 | $13,754 | 51% |
| Case Western Reserve University | 11 mi | 6,437 | $44,622 | 87% |
| Baldwin Wallace University | 6 mi | 2,842 | $27,222 | 68% |
| John Carroll University | 13 mi | 2,274 | $27,167 | 74% |
| Ursuline College | 16 mi | 670 | $17,186 | 55% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Parma
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 20, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 22 and the first frost comes around November 3.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Cleveland, OH, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Parma.
Wildfire smoke in Parma
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Parma on about 122 days a year, including about 28 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Parma
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 34,287 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Parma
Downtown Parma is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parma City School District | Pre-K to 12 | 9,001 | 13 | 18.3 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Cleveland Municipal School District (33,143 students), Brunswick City School District (5,931 students), Strongsville City School District (5,757 students), Berea City School District (5,332 students), Shaker Heights City School District (4,400 students), Lakewood City School District (4,369 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Parma's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Parma's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Scranton, PA85% matchCompare
- Champaign, IL74% matchCompare
- Milwaukee, WI74% matchCompare
- Springfield, MA73% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Parma
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Parma
- Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort 11 miles
- Alpine Valley Ski Area 26 miles
- Mountain View at Edinboro 91 miles
- Peek'n Peak 113 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Parma
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 2.5 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 6% below the US average (BEA).
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 64 inches a year.
- Data The population has shrunk 3.1% since 2020.
Parma report card from locals
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Parma through locals' eyes
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Cities near Parma
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | 9 mi | 363,608 | $102,000 | 93.9 | Compare |
| Akron, OH | 24 mi | 189,691 | $122,000 | 93.4 | Compare |
| Toledo, OH | 95 mi | 263,423 | $114,500 | 91.5 | Compare |
| Detroit, MI | 96 mi | 649,095 | $83,900 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Dearborn, MI | 99 mi | 105,611 | $218,800 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Erie, PA | 99 mi | 91,838 | $115,200 | 91.0 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Parma ranks 35th of 50 in our best suburbs of Cleveland ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Parma with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Parma a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, 6 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are heavy snow, a shrinking population. Compare Parma side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Parma?
The Census Bureau estimates Parma had 78,581 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 81,120 in April 2020 (-3.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Parma?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $70,400 in the Parma area. The median household here earns $69,295.
When is the best time to visit Parma?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 84°F and January 36°F for daytime highs.
What county is Parma in?
Parma is in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Parma in?
Parma is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Parma?
About 866 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Ohio have a state income tax?
Yes. Ohio has a flat income tax with a top rate of 2.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Parma. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Cleveland, OH metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Cleveland, OH station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.