Defiance, OH
Population 16,830 · Ohio
About Defiance, OH
Defiance is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 16,830 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,118 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Defiance features a median home value of $134,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Defiance one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $841, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,924 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (4,964 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (2,291 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Defiance shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Defiance have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Defiance residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 12.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Defiance, OH
Compared to national averages, Defiance has a median household income of $63,118 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,600, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $841 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Defiance's income is 12% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 23% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Defiance, OH?
Defiance offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $841/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,118) that falls below the national average. However, Defiance’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Defiance has a population of 16,830 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Defiance with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Defiance
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon | 16,802 | $54,335 | $161,400 | Compare |
| Fairview Park | 17,049 | $77,688 | $225,800 | Compare |
| Norwalk | 17,054 | $58,940 | $156,000 | Compare |
| Aurora | 17,386 | $125,567 | $371,400 | Compare |
| Streetsboro | 17,514 | $82,273 | $197,000 | Compare |
| Eastlake | 17,538 | $62,510 | $168,300 | Compare |
| New Philadelphia | 17,563 | $60,932 | $164,600 | Compare |
| Bay Village | 15,992 | $122,083 | $332,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Defiance With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Defiance
What is the population of Defiance, OH?
The population of Defiance, OH is 16,830 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Defiance?
The median household income in Defiance, OH is $63,118 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Defiance?
The median home value in Defiance, OH is $134,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Defiance?
The median monthly rent in Defiance, OH is $841, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Defiance?
The unemployment rate in Defiance, OH is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Defiance, OH a good place to live?
Defiance offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,830 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Defiance, OH?
22.8% of residents in Defiance aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Defiance?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Defiance, OH: median home value is $134,600 (45% below national), median rent is $841/month, and median household income is $63,118. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Defiance?
The poverty rate in Defiance, OH is 14.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Defiance, OH?
Defiance's population is 12.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.