Defiance County, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Ohio
The population of Defiance County, Ohio is 38,258 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $73,615, the median home value is $150,900, and the median age is 40.8.
The population of Defiance County has declined 1.1% since 2010 (39,083 → 38,644), a -0.08% annualized rate.
38,258
Population
-0.08%
Annual growth
93
People / sq mi
$73,615
Median Income
$150,900
Median Home Value
Defiance County covers 411 sq mi of land at 93.0 people per square mile.
About Defiance County, OH
The poverty rate is what most separates Defiance County from the typical county: 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Defiance County is a county in Ohio with a population of 38,258.
Households take in a median $73,615, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.4%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $150,900, with typical rent around $826.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Defiance County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Defiance County had a population of 39,083 in 2010 and 38,644 in 2024, a -1.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 39,083 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.08%.
38,644
Population (2024)
39,083
Population (2010)
39,083
Peak (2010)
-0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 39,083 |
| 2011 | 39,015 |
| 2012 | 38,845 |
| 2013 | 38,587 |
| 2014 | 38,547 |
| 2015 | 38,349 |
| 2016 | 38,162 |
| 2017 | 38,158 |
| 2018 | 38,046 |
| 2019 | 37,978 |
| 2020 | 38,267 |
| 2021 | 38,182 |
| 2022 | 38,183 |
| 2023 | 38,437 |
| 2024 | 38,644 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.8
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
19.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,615+$3,935 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,099 |
| Per-capita income | $35,076 |
| Poverty rate | 5.4%-3.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Defiance County is manufacturing, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
84.2%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
20.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$150,900$-48,300 vs state
Median home value
$826
Median rent
78.6%
Homeownership rate
16,570
Total housing units
92.8%
Occupied
7.2%
Vacant
21.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.2%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
21.8%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
13.9%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
20.1%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Ohio
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Defiance County, Ohio has a population of 38,258 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 93 people per square mile.
The population of Defiance County has declined 1.1% since 2010 (39,083 → 38,644), a -0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Defiance County, Ohio is $73,615, with mean (average) household income of $87,099 and per-capita income of $35,076. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Defiance County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.6%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Defiance County, Ohio is 40.8 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Defiance County is $150,900 and median monthly rent is $826. 78.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,570 total housing units, 7.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Defiance County, Ohio is manufacturing, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Defiance County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Ohio
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.