Nestled in the heart of Canyon County, Parma owes its name to a railroad official who loved the vibrant culture and rich history of Parma, Italy. He hoped that by giving this Idaho city the same name, it would absorb some of that Italian energy.
In Canyon County, along the Boise River, about 40 minutes northwest of Boise
Approximately 2,200 people live in the city
Close-knit, friendly, rural
Whether through Norman Rockwell paintings or reruns of the Andy Griffith Show, images of the stereotypical small American town are firmly embedded in our imaginations: maple trees swaying gently in the breeze on quaint streets lined with American flags, charming ranch-style homes with white picket fences, and people waving friendly “hellos” to everyone passing by. No town can live up to such an idealized image, but Parma comes pretty darn close. Its residents see others as neighbors and feel safe enough to keep their doors unlocked.
Parma has many pet-friendly establishments, and there are several nearby off-leash parks.
The housing market is heating up in Parma, fueled by growing demand.
Renting a two-bedroom unit in Parma costs an average of $980 per month, significantly lower than the national average.
Home list prices are increasing in Parma, driven by growing demand for housing in this up-and-coming area.
This rural community has many homes on large lots. There are also new construction homes available.
Parma has three public schools attended by just over 1,000 students. The district’s average testing ranking is 7/10, making it one of the top school districts in the state.
There are no colleges or universities in Parma. However, several are within driving distance, including College of Idaho, Treasure Valley Community College, Northwest Nazarene University, College of Western Idaho, and Boise State University.
Parma is a rural and friendly community. Though small, it encompasses wineries, a variety of restaurants, some historical sites, and a whole lot of outdoor adventure.
At the Old Fort Boise Replica and Museum, visitors can relive the days when Parma was a vital trading post through reenactments and gold-panning and fur-trapping exhibits. The Parma Motor-Vu, one of the oldest drive-in theaters in the state, is another important part of Idaho’s history.
There are few stores in rural Parma, so if you need more than the basics, you’ll have to drive to the larger shopping centers in Caldwell or Nampa. However, the town does have some small markets and a few unique independently owned shops.
For its size, Parma offers an array of dining choices. It’s known for having some of the best hamburgers in the state. Its local wineries are also popular, offering a variety of estate wines and a full bistro menu with gorgeous vineyard views.
Like other small Idaho towns, Parma is car dependent. Most residents drive their own vehicles, and public transportation is limited. However, its small size makes it relatively easy to get around. There are also biking trails.
Since Parma is so small and sparsely populated, there are few places for adventure within city limits. However, at nearby Boise Wildlife Management Area, visitors can fish in the Snake and Lower Boise River or enjoy other outdoor adventures. The area is home to over 300 species, including Idaho’s biggest wintering mule deer herd.
Old Fort Boise Days is an annual celebration that brings the entire Parma community together for a week of fun and festivities. The merrymaking kicks off with a parade that winds through the main street. There’s also a car show, face painting, a barrel train, vendors, and the thrilling Inferno bull ride.
Parma Clean-Up Days occur twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Through this community-driven initiative, residents work together to beautify their town.
Between 2021 and 2022, Parma’s job market enjoyed a modest boost. During this same period, the median household income climbed from $45,900 to $48,702—a sign of a growing economy. However, individual earnings in Parma remain relatively low. The average annual income for residents is $20,520, significantly below the national average of $37,638.
Despite these challenges, Parma’s economic future looks bright. While the job market has experienced a slight dip in recent years, projections for the next decade suggest robust job growth of over 48%, far exceeding the national average.
The most common employment industries in Parma are agriculture, forestry, and fishing; manufacturing; and healthcare and social assistance.
Parma is about a 40-minute drive from Boise.
CrimeGrade.org gives Parma an A. With crime rates significantly lower than the national average, Parma is a highly safe place to live.
Far below average
The Parma Police Department strives to keep its community safe for all through a variety of community safety initiatives.
