Parma

by The Linguist




Parma, Ohio – Population, Economy, Facts and Highlights

Parma, Ohio

Parma is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. It is part of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area and borders Cleveland. As of the 2020 census, the population was 79,277, making it the seventh largest city in Ohio.

Population

According to the Wikipedia page for Parma, Ohio, the city’s population peaked at 100,216 in 1970 and declined to 81,601 as of the 2010 census due to suburbanization trends. However, the 2020 census showed a small rebound to 79,277 residents.

Parma has long been home to a sizable population of Polish Americans. As of the 2000 Census, 16.7% of all residents reported Polish ancestry, the highest percentage of residents of Polish descent of any city in the United States with a population greater than 100,000. Parma is home to an annual Polish Constitution Day Parade, claimed to be the largest ethnic parade of its kind outside of Poland.

Economy and Major Employers

Historically, Parma was home to a number of automotive production plants, including Ford, Chevrolet, and Fisher Body. Over decades, industrial restructuring led to their closure. According to the City of Parma’s economic development information, the city has rebounded as a center of research, technology, and services.

Major private employers in Parma today include University Hospitals Parma Medical Center, GrafTech International, Telenational Communications, Parma Community General Hospital, Affinity Medical Center, and Rosetta Technologies. The city is also home to the headquarters of a number of companies in the food, technology, automotive, and medical device industries.

Public sector employers include the Parma City School District, the City of Parma government, and Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus.

Landmarks

Parma is home to a number of notable landmarks, including:

  • Parma Armory – Art Deco building constructed in 1937, home of the Ohio National Guard.
  • Stearns Homestead – 19th century Greek Revival farmhouse, now a historic museum.
  • James Day Park – Large community park with pool, ice rink, and other amenities.
  • West Creek Reservation – Nature preserve with walking trails.
  • GM Powertrain Parma Metal Center – Former automotive plant, now an industrial complex.

Sports

Parma is home to the professional baseball team the Lake Erie Crushers, a member of the Frontier League. The Crushers play at Mercy Health Stadium.

The city also has a rich youth and recreational sports culture, with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and facilities for football, basketball, and other sports across the community. The Parma City School District has a storied high school sports history.

Culture and Entertainment

Parma offers a variety of options for culture and entertainment, including:

  • Parma Theatre – Historic movie theater dating to 1929.
  • Cassidy Theatre – Community theater troupe and venue.
  • Tri-C Jazz Fest – Annual music festival.
  • Parma Rib ‘N Rock Festival – Blues, rock, and barbecue event.
  • Polish Village Parma – Ethnic shops and eateries.
  • Kolaczki Cafe – Polish bakery and restaurant.

For events and local announcements, see the City of Parma Facebook page. Residents also enjoy amenities like the Parma Branch Library and year-round recreation at the Parma Recreation Center.