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
Defiance County is a county in Ohio with a population of 38,258. It ranks #65 among counties in Ohio by population. The median age is 40.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Defiance County is $73,615, near the US median of $74,580. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $150,900, with monthly rent averaging $826. The homeownership rate of 78.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Defiance County reflects 20.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.2 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
Metro areas in Ohio
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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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.