Is Parma Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Parma, Ohio, is a suburban section of Ohio, once the fastest-growing city in America. 

Historic Parma was settled in 1816 by New Englanders.

It was originally known as Greenbriar but became the township of Parma in 1826.

The city was named after the Italian city of Parma.

Today the city of 80,000 is where people move to after leaving the city.

It’s ranked as one of the best places for families in the country, and it’s also a cultural melting pot with a Polish and Ukraine community. 

It’s Ohio’s most extensive Ukrainian community, with a population exceeding 4,000 Ukrainian residents. 

The heart of the Ukrainian community in Parma resides within a distinct locale affectionately referred to as “Ukrainian Village.”

There’s also a Polish village, with restaurants and shops celebrating that culture.

It’s ranked as the best community within Parma. 

Each village has its own website so that you can search the offerings there, and you’ll find traditional suburban amenities in this city.

While hotels aren’t abundant, there are plenty within a few miles in neighboring towns.

Warnings & Dangers in Parma

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Parma, but also not a lot of things to do. You'll likely have to go to other cities or towns within the region to explore.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has a Parma station with routes that take you downtown. You can review the website to see the full schedule. Rental cars, taxis, and rideshares will be easy to find in this metro region.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just seven pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, giving this a low risk. Given that you'll likely be traveling outside of Parma keep those smart safety steps to limit what you carry.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Treat this as a medium risk because severe or disruptive weather can happen any month of the year. Blizzards, snow storms, ice storms and high winds can plague winter.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is 75% lower than the national average, and muggings make up just 10% of those. The risk is low. Please know that risk increases when you go into Cleveland.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

While a large city like Cleveland should be treated as a medium risk, there's a low risk in Parma. You should always stay vigilant and use the "See Something, Say Something" motto to help keep law enforcement aware of potential risks.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Apparently, scams are a big enough deal here that scam alerts were added to the same program that gives emergency weather alerts (more on that below). Even though the majority of scams target residents, we're upping this to a medium risk to keep you aware. The police department does a great job of reporting common or recurring scams on its Facebook page.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This community is ranked as one of the best for families, which should be reassuring for women of all ages who visit here. The risk is low.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Tap water quality meets or exceeds all requirements, and you can read the latest Water Quality Report on the city's website if you want more details. The risk is low.

Safest Places to Visit in Parma

I’m not going to tap dance around this one – there isn’t a lot to do in Parma centered around tourism.

You’ll find a typical dense suburban neighborhood with big box stores and chain restaurants.

I was able to pick through some of the different sections to find options.

To learn more about the region, visit ThisIsCleveland.com.

As noted above, you can also check out the village websites for the Polish and Ukrainian villages, all welcoming visitors and regularly hosting events.

Begin your adventure at the Stearns Homestead, a living history farm that transports you back in time.

This captivating place lets you interact with friendly farm animals and witness traditional agricultural practices.

It’s an experience that appeals to all age groups, offering a window into Parma’s agricultural past.

For those seeking a more natural escape, the West Creek Reservation is a tranquil haven within the city.

It offers meandering trails, inviting you to explore the great outdoors.

Whether you’re into hiking, bird-watching, or simply relaxing with a picnic, this urban park provides the perfect setting to unwind and connect with nature.

A unique facet of Parma is its strong Polish heritage, celebrated through events like the Polish Constitution Day Parade.

This vibrant cultural tapestry is an integral part of the city’s identity and showcases its commitment to inclusivity.

Make Believe Family Fun Center is near the shopping district of Parma.

It’s an arcade with climbing walls, an indoor playground, and Ballcity (a big pit of plastic balls).

There’s a special option for those traveling with toddlers.

You can also plan birthday parties here, with the foam party looking like a great option.

You also have Cuyahoga Valley National Park just 15 miles away.

This expansive park offers waterfalls, caves, trails, and historical features.

It’s one of the most visited national parks in the region.

It’s also in the path of the 2024 solar eclipse if you happen to be reading this article before that event on April 8.

Another museum close to Parma, just four miles away, is the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick.

Founded by Raymond Buckland, a prominent figure in modern witchcraft, the museum houses an eclectic collection of items, including ritual tools, spell books, and diverse objects related to witchcraft and the occult.

It offers a unique and immersive experience for those intrigued by the mystical arts.

Just north of there is the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo, one of the top activities for guests in Cleveland and Parma.

Places to Avoid in Parma

The north and northeastern parts of the community have higher crime rates, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid the area.

With crime rates as low as you find in Parma, no neighborhood is too dangerous to visit.

The closer you get to I-480, the higher the rates will be.

Parma and Parma Heights are two different cities with two different police departments.

They do border each other, and they have about the same safety rating.

You won’t find many hotels in Parma – most are along the interstates in neighboring communities.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Parma

So... How Safe Is Parma Really?

Parma is a safe community, although the 10-year trend shows violent crime has increased nearly 300%.

That said, the crime rates are still 57% lower than the national average and 42% lower than the state average.

In addition, just 11% of crimes happened against strangers over the past five years.

Thefts are slightly below the national average, with 11% of those being car break-ins or car accessory thefts looking back the past five years.

As noted above, even robbery rates are low, with highway robberies making up just 10% of the cases over five years.

Car thefts have increased nearly 150% since 2019, a trend that mostly involves Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

(Don’t rent either one of those.)

While this is a nationwide trend, Parma officials are so fed up with it that they filed a lawsuit against the automakers, claiming the ease of theft is straining police resources.

It reads, in part, “Vehicle theft often goes hand in hand with high-speed pursuits and other forms of reckless driving, which in turn results in injuries and death.

It results in increased violence, as many car owners are unlikely to part with their vehicles willingly.

It consumes scarce law enforcement and emergency resources and deprives the public of safe streets and sidewalks.”

You can keep the risk low by locking car doors every time you park and removing personal items from inside.

Even a steering wheel lock can be a wise investment to deter thieves.

Keep in mind that not every community in Cleveland will be this safe or this diligent in going after crime contributors due to higher crime rates in more violent categories.

That’s why we cover so many cities in a metro region – so you can get the best information and make the best travel decisions.

How Does Parma Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

To enter the country, international travelers must obtain either a visa or a visa waiver. You can check your eligibility for a visa waiver by visiting the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

You can only use the US Dollar here. Ideally, you exchange currency at a bank where you are a member. The Cleveland airport will also have a currency exchange option. Try to use credit cards for the majority of transactions, as they provide the best fraud protection.

Weather

You'll get four distinct seasons here, so pack accordingly, but don't forget to check the seven-day weather forecast before you go. The seasons can fluctuate.

Airports

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is just nine miles away, making it the closest and largest airport option. With an airport that large, you don't need to consider other airports.

Travel Insurance

Anytime you take a trip where weather could potentially interfere with flights or driving, we highly recommend getting travel insurance. Don't forget to look into health insurance too if you won't already be covered at your destination. Also, double-check the insurance on your rental car so you're prepared in the event of a crash.

Parma Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Ohio - Safety by City