Is Defiance Safe, Pros and cons of living in Defiance

Defiance, Ohio, situated at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize rivers, offers a blend of small-city charm and accessible amenities. This historic community, named for an early Army fortification, provides a welcoming environment for those seeking a balance between a relaxed pace of life and proximity to natural landscapes and cultural attractions. The city’s walkable downtown area features a variety of local businesses and community events that contribute to a strong sense of local identity.

The city’s strategic location provides easy access to major thoroughfares, enhancing connectivity for residents. Defiance College adds a youthful energy to the community, contributing to its cultural vibrancy. The area’s commitment to safety and affordability makes it an attractive option for individuals and families considering a move to the Buckeye State.

Is it Safe to Live in Defiance?

Defiance presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Defiance is 34% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 40% lower than the national average, and property crimes are also below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

While the overall statistics are encouraging, safety perceptions can vary by neighborhood. Some residents feel a strong sense of security, while others express concerns about walking alone at night (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Defiance is approximately 1 in 72 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime incidents in Defiance are notably lower than the national figures. There were 37 violent crimes reported in Defiance, translating to a rate of 217 per 100,000 individuals, which is 39.5% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city has also reported a murder rate of 0, underscoring a significant aspect of its safety profile (as reported by AreaVibes).

Over a recent five-year period, Defiance recorded 833 violent crimes, with an average violent crime rate of 70.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 33.4% below the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Aggravated assault has a particularly good safety grade (Grade A) in Defiance, while rape has a lower grade (Grade F) (as reported by Crime Explorer).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime rates in Defiance are also below the national average. The city recorded 201 property crimes, amounting to 1,179 per 100,000 residents, which is 33% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This indicates a generally secure environment for personal property.

The Defiance Police Department reported 1,118 property crimes over a recent five-year span. The property crime rate averages 82.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 49.6% lower than the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Burglary and larceny, in particular, have strong safety grades (Grade A) in Defiance (as reported by Crime Explorer).

Pros and Cons of Living in Defiance

Defiance offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living is approximately 12% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to housing, transportation, and healthcare costs, which are all more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

The median home value in Defiance is around $139,900 (as reported by Niche and Data USA). This is considerably lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). The median rent for an apartment is approximately $900 per month (as reported by Zillow), which is also well below the national average (as reported by Zillow).

Economic Opportunities

The job market in Defiance offers a range of opportunities, with a median salary of approximately $62,617 per year (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute) and an average salary of $62,030 annually (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Defiance County was 4.50% recently, which is lower than the long-term average for the county (as reported by YCharts).

Major employers in the area include established industrial companies like General Motors Corp., Johns Manville, and Parker-Hannifin, alongside local firms such as MEC and APT Manufacturing Solutions (as reported by Defiance County Economic Development). The healthcare and transportation sectors are noted for offering higher-paying positions (as reported by ReadySetHire).

Community and Lifestyle

Defiance provides a sparse suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche). The community tends to be conservative, and residents generally appreciate the city’s walkability and access to amenities. The presence of Defiance College contributes to a dynamic environment, offering cultural and educational opportunities.

The city’s climate features average high temperatures around 60°F and average low temperatures around 40°F annually (as reported by Livability.com). It receives an average of 36 inches of rainfall per year (as reported by Livability.com) and approximately 24 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by Livability.com).

Educational Landscape

The Defiance City School District is rated as above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 55% of students are proficient in math and 59% in reading (as reported by Niche). Northeastern Local School District also serves the area and is rated as above average, with 66% of students proficient in math and 72% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Defiance College is a key educational institution in the city, offering various degree programs. Graduates from local universities often pursue higher education at prominent state universities like The Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Defiance, Ohio, is home to a population of approximately 17,276 residents (as reported by Data USA). The city is growing at a modest rate, with a projected population of 17,392 for the near future (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Defiance is around 41.8 years (as reported by Data USA).

The racial composition of Defiance is predominantly White, making up about 76.8% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 17.3% (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups are present in smaller percentages. The majority of residents, 99.3%, are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).

Household Income and Expenses

The median household income in Defiance was $61,439 in a recent year (as reported by Data USA). However, 7.5% of families in Defiance live below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA). Household bills, including housing, average around $1,453 per month, which is 31% lower than the U.S. median (as reported by doxo).

The cost of living in Defiance is generally lower than the national average. While some sources indicate it is 5% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), others suggest it is 12% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs are particularly affordable, being 32% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Age and Gender Distribution

The age distribution in Defiance shows a significant portion of the population in the adult brackets, with 25.9% between 25 and 44 years old, and 23.3% between 45 and 64 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 21.7% of residents are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Gender-wise, Defiance has a nearly even split, with 49.8% of its residents being male and 50.2% being female (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age for males is 39.5 years, while for females it is 44.1 years (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Defiance experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with average annual temperatures around 60°F. The average high temperature is about 71.5°F in May, and the average low is around 17.6°F in January (as reported by Plantmaps). The city experiences warm summers and cold winters.

The area receives an average of 36.61 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by Plantmaps). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being May, June, July, and August, each receiving over 3.5 inches of rain (as reported by Plantmaps). Snowfall is common during the winter months.

Temperature Variations

The average high temperature in Defiance hovers around 60.1°F annually, while the average low is approximately 40.4°F (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). Summer months bring warmer weather, with July and August seeing average highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winter months are cold, with average highs in the low to mid-30s Fahrenheit in December and January.

The average frost-free period generally falls between April 11-20 and October 21-31 (as reported by Plantmaps). This provides a substantial growing season for local agriculture and gardening.

Precipitation and Seasonal Weather

Defiance receives an average of 36.94 inches of rain per year (as reported by Defiance, Ohio Climate). The average annual snowfall is around 24 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The climate is classified as humid continental with hot summers (Dfa) (as reported by Plantmaps).

Monthly precipitation averages range from about 2.12 inches in February to 4.1 inches in May (as reported by Plantmaps). This consistent rainfall supports the region’s agricultural activities and contributes to its generally green landscape.