B+
34%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
40%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
33%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDefiance/100k peopleOhio/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime238n/a (estimate)1,3971,8452,119
Murder0n/a0.05.05.0
Rape10n/a58.745.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.045.560.6
Assault27n/a158.4197.4256.1
Violent crime37n/a (estimate)217294359
Burglary21n/a123.2206.0229.2
Theft177n/a1,038.61,132.81,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a17.6212.5258.8
Property crime201n/a (estimate)1,1791,5511,760

Defiance crime map

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The Defiance crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Defiance as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Defiance crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Defiance crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Defiance, OH

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Defiance crime rate is lower than the national average by 34.1%. Specifically, there were 37 violent crimes in Defiance, equivalent to 217 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 39.5%. Furthermore, Defiance recorded 201 property crimes, amounting to 1179 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 33%.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Defiance reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Defiance?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Defiance residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 63% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Defiance were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 38% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Defiance a Safe Place to Live?

Is Defiance a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Defiance has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 34%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.65 daily incidents, encompassing 0.1 violent crimes and 0.55 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Defiance as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Defiance Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Defiance crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Defiance has decreased by 2.9% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has decreased by 3.4%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Defiance

Defiance reports an unemployment rate of 3.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Defiance crime rates.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Defiance, 84.5% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Defiance has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.8 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Compare Defiance, OH Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Defiance crime rates are 34% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Defiance are 40% lower than the national average
      • In Defiance you have a 1 in 72 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Defiance is safer than 45% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Defiance has decreased by 17%

      Defiance, OH Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Defiance (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Defiance, per 100,000 residents. In Defiance, the total number of daily crimes is 1.32 times less than the Ohio average and 1.52 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Defiance are 1.35 times less than the Ohio average and 1.65 times less than the national average. For property crime, Defiance has a daily crime rate that is 1.32 times less than the Ohio average and 1.49 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Defiance (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in Ohio and all other cities across the US, is Defiance safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Defiance is safer than 35% of other cities in the state of Ohio. In addition, Defiance is safer than 45% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all Ohio and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Defiance. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Defiance is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Defiance

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Defiance is 1 in 461
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Defiance is 1 in 85
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Defiance is 1 in 72
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Defiance? In Defiance, you have a 1 in 461 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 85. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Defiance, OH is 1 in 72.

        Year Over Year Crime In Defiance (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Defiance is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Defiance has decreased by 16% and the rate of property crime in Defiance has decreased by 18%. The total crime rate in Defiance has decreased by 17% year to year.

        Defiance police department

        Item Defiance Ohio National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3017,044558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.82.73.3
        There are a total of 30 Defiance police officers. This results in 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 33.1% less than the Ohio average and 44.5% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Ohio

        State Total offenders Ohio /100K National /100K
        Ohio17,872156266
        There are a total of 17,872 sex offenders in Ohio. This yields a total of 156 sex offenders in Ohio per 100,000 residents which is 41% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Paulding, OH3,73528227255
        Continental, OH1,46199521620
        Holgate, OH1,177118624742
        Bryan, OH8,43458747805
        Ridgeville Corners, OH3032551,3461,601
        Latty, OH1473111,6401,950
        Napoleon, OH8,4932181,8132,031
        Defiance, OH17,1272171,1791,397

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        New Port Richey, FL17,1303381,8002,138
        Highland Village, TX17,130741,0711,146
        Seven Oaks, SC17,1213591,6161,976
        Republic, MO17,1351261,0591,186
        South Venice, FL17,1171901,0081,197
        Defiance, OH17,1272171,1791,397
        Source: The Defiance, OH crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.