| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Defiance/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 238 | n/a (estimate) | 1,397 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 58.7 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 158.4 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 37 | n/a (estimate) | 217 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 21 | n/a | 123.2 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 177 | n/a | 1,038.6 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 17.6 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 201 | n/a (estimate) | 1,179 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

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.
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? 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.
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%.
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.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Defiance | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 30 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Paulding, OH | 3,735 | 28 | 227 | 255 |
| Continental, OH | 1,461 | 99 | 521 | 620 |
| Holgate, OH | 1,177 | 118 | 624 | 742 |
| Bryan, OH | 8,434 | 58 | 747 | 805 |
| Ridgeville Corners, OH | 303 | 255 | 1,346 | 1,601 |
| Latty, OH | 147 | 311 | 1,640 | 1,950 |
| Napoleon, OH | 8,493 | 218 | 1,813 | 2,031 |
| Defiance, OH | 17,127 | 217 | 1,179 | 1,397 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Port Richey, FL | 17,130 | 338 | 1,800 | 2,138 |
| Highland Village, TX | 17,130 | 74 | 1,071 | 1,146 |
| Seven Oaks, SC | 17,121 | 359 | 1,616 | 1,976 |
| Republic, MO | 17,135 | 126 | 1,059 | 1,186 |
| South Venice, FL | 17,117 | 190 | 1,008 | 1,197 |
| Defiance, OH | 17,127 | 217 | 1,179 | 1,397 |