Median Income
$63,118
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,600
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
133/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.8%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$841
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Defiance Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,830
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density1,308/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,118
Per Capita$34,890
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$2,162M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,600
Rent$841
Ownership68.4%
Zillow$177,024
Housing Units8,014
Rent Burden27.4%
Crime
F
Violent133/100K
Property1,355/100K
Murder6.0/100K
Assault60/100K
Burglary127/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking17.0%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation700 ft (213 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.8%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute18 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Defiance a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Defiance receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Defiance offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Defiance is $63,118, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Defiance is $134,600, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $841 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Defiance is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,355 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
22.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Defiance experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Defiance has a population of 16,830 with a density of 1,308 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (82.1%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.1%
47% below US avg
The median household income in Defiance is $63,118, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,890 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 942 business establishments, including 89 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,118 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,890 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,217 |
| Gini Index | 0.397 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 942 |
| County GDP | $2,162M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 89 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,043 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Defiance is $134,600, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,024, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $841 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $799 for a one-bedroom to $980 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 8,014 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $4,043 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,600 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,024 |
| Median List Price | $166,200 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $166,200 |
| $/Sq Ft | $122 |
| Homes Sold | 17 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.8% |
| Price Drops | 11.4% |
| Inventory | 44 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $841 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $754 |
| 1 Bedroom | $799 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,408 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.6% |
| Housing Units | 8,014 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,043 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Defiance, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,816. The dentist ratio is 1:2,546. 66.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
8.1
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.3
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
6.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
161.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Defiance vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,816 |
| Dentists | 1:2,546 |
| Mental Health | 1:435 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,496/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Defiance has a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 60.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 66.3. The murder rate is 6.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,355 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,211, burglary at 127, vehicle theft at 18 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Defiance receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Defiance vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 132.5/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Murder | 6.0/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| Rape | 66.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 60.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,355.3/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Burglary | 126.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,210.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 18.1/100K |
| Arson | 6.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Defiance experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 24.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 700 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 700 ft (213 m) |
| Area | 12.1 sq mi (31.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,308/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2810°N, 84.3658°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Defiance County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
138 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
65 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
90 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
49 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
80 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
146 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
125 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
81 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
64 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
442 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 129 fatalities, 1,876 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
75 km |
7 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
65 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
18 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
4 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
40 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Defiance has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Defiance. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139-$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186-$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93-$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742-$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139-$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46-$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371-$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93-$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46-$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139-$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712-$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371-$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104-$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464-$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640-$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856-$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742-$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186-$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928-$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70-$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78-$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32-$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32-$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78-$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71-$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74-$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46-$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70-$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114-$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557-$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464-$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186-$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371-$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640-$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46-$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93-$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Defiance
What is the population of Defiance?
Defiance has a population of 16,830 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,308 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Defiance expensive to live in?
Defiance is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,118, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,600 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $841 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Defiance safe?
Defiance is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,355 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Defiance receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Defiance?
Defiance has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Defiance?
Defiance has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 942 business establishments in the area, including 89 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Defiance?
The median home value in Defiance is $134,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,024. For renters, the median monthly rent is $841. Fair market rent is $799 for a 1-bedroom and $980 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,043.
How are the schools in Defiance?
Schools in Defiance score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.8% of adults in Defiance hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Defiance?
The obesity rate in Defiance is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,816.
What is transportation like in Defiance?
The average commute in Defiance is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Defiance?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Defiance is 82.1% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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