Defiance, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Defiance, Ohio is 16,830 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 114th-largest city in Ohio. The median household income is $63,118, the median home value is $134,600, and the median age is 41.3.
The population has grown 0.1% since 2010 (17,169 → 17,180).
16,830
Population
1307
People / sq mi
$63,118
Median Income
$134,600
Median Home Value
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Defiance covers 12.9 sq mi of land at 1307 people per square mile.
About Defiance, OH
Housing cost is the defining feature of Defiance: the median home is valued at $134,600. With 16,830 residents, Defiance is a city in Ohio.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $63,118, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.1%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $134,600, with typical rent around $841.
College attainment is 22.8%, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.3% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Defiance city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Defiance city had a population of 17,169 in 2010 and 17,180 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,180 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
17,180
Population (2024)
17,169
Population (2010)
17,180
Peak (2024)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,169 |
| 2011 | 17,152 |
| 2012 | 17,044 |
| 2013 | 16,926 |
| 2014 | 16,862 |
| 2015 | 16,763 |
| 2016 | 16,671 |
| 2017 | 16,705 |
| 2018 | 16,653 |
| 2019 | 16,634 |
| 2020 | 17,050 |
| 2021 | 16,995 |
| 2022 | 16,985 |
| 2023 | 17,089 |
| 2024 | 17,180 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$63,118
Median Household Income
$34,890
Per Capita Income
8.1%
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$134,600
Median Home Value
$841
Median Rent
68.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.7%
High School+
22.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
85.8%
Public Transit
5.3%
Work From Home
18.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.0%
Foreign Born
94.1%
Non-English at Home
5.2%
Veterans
17.1%
With Disability
93.5%
Health Insurance
93.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 22.0% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.7% |
| Retail Trade | 6.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.5% |
| Information | 5.8% |
| Construction | 4.6% |
| Public Administration | 3.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Defiance, Ohio has a population of 16,830 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 114th-largest city in Ohio.
The median household income in Defiance, Ohio is $63,118, with 8.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Defiance, Ohio is $134,600, with median monthly rent at $841 and a homeownership rate of 68.4%.
The median age in Defiance, Ohio is 41.3 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The population has grown 0.1% since 2010 (17,169 → 17,180).
Where to stay in Defiance
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.