Defiance 71 Excellent
Defiance Livability #448 ranked city in Ohio#7,316 ranked city in the USARanks better than 75% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Defiance

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in Defiance?

Located in the state of Ohio, Defiance is a medium-sized city with a population of 17,127 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (84% White). Given that fact, Defiance could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Defiance is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Defiance could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Ohio if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Defiance and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.

With a livability score of 70/100, Defiance is ranked #7,287 in the United States and #441 in Ohio. If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Defiance ranks well for crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Defiance, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Defiance, the average school test scores are an impressive 70%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Defiance apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Defiance real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Defiance. Median real estate prices in Defiance come in at $209,599, which is 10.7% lower than the Ohio average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Defiance, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Defiance

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      Defiance transportation information

      Statistic Defiance Ohio National
      Average one way commute19min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work85.3%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.2%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.6%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home3.7%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Defiance, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.