Parma Heights is a city in Cuyahoga County, in the state of Ohio, United States. It is a suburb of Cleveland and part of the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 20,822 residents.
Geography
- Coordinates: 41°23′49″ N, 81°44′17″ W.
- Total area: approximately 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²), of which 4.5 sq mi is land and less than 0.01 sq mi is water.
- The city is bordered by the city of Parma to the north and west, the city of Brook Park to the east, and the city of Cleveland to the south.
- Major transportation routes include Interstate 71, State Route 3 (Olmsted Street), and State Route 94 (Kinsman Road). Public transit service is provided by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
History
- The area that is now Parma Heights was originally part of the larger township of Parma, organized in 1826.
- Development accelerated after the arrival of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railroad in the late 19th century.
- Parma Heights was incorporated as a village in 1911 and later attained city status in 1956.
- The city’s name reflects its location on the eastern high ground of the former Parma Township.
Government
Parma Heights operates under a mayor‑council form of government. The mayor is an elected executive officer, and a seven‑member city council serves as the legislative body. City services include police, fire protection, public works, and parks and recreation.
Demographics (2020 Census)
- Population: 20,822.
- Racial composition: approximately 88 % White, 5 % African American, 2 % Asian, 2 % Hispanic or Latino, and 3 % from other or mixed races.
- Median household income (American Community Survey 2021): around $55,000.
- Housing: Predominantly single‑family detached homes; owner‑occupied housing rate exceeds 70 %.
Education
Parma Heights is served primarily by the Parma City School District. Public schools within the city include:
- Parma Heights Middle School (grades 6‑8).
- Elementary schools such as Garfield Elementary and Rue Elementary.
Students may also attend Parma Senior High School, located in the neighboring city of Parma. Private and parochial schools, as well as nearby community colleges and universities in the Cleveland area, provide additional educational options.
Economy
The local economy is largely residential, with commercial activity concentrated along major corridors such as Kinsman Road and Lincoln Avenue. Retail, professional services, and light manufacturing are common sectors. Many residents commute to employment centers in Cleveland and surrounding suburbs.
Infrastructure and Services
- Utilities: Electricity and natural gas are supplied by regional utility companies; water and sewer services are managed by the city’s public works department.
- Health care: The city is served by several hospitals and medical centers in the broader Cleveland area, including University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic facilities.
- Recreation: Parma Heights maintains a network of parks, playgrounds, and a community center offering sports, cultural, and youth programs.
Notable Residents
While the city has not produced nationally prominent figures, several individuals involved in regional politics, business, and sports have originated from or resided in Parma Heights.
References
Data derived from United States Census Bureau reports, Ohio Revised Code on municipal governance, and official publications of the City of Parma Heights.