countyscore
55.5
County Score
Schools 76.2Income & Jobs 75Lawn Care 67.7

County Report Card

About Defiance County, Ohio

Strong Standing Above the National Median

Defiance County earns a composite score of 55.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of overall livability and economic health.

Beating the Ohio Average

With a score of 55.4, the county outperforms the Ohio average of 48.6. It represents a robust pocket of prosperity in the Northwest corner of the state.

Robust Schools and High Incomes

The county excels with a School Score of 76.2 and an Income Score of 75.0. A healthy median household income of $73,615 supports a high standard of living.

Addressing Water Quality Concerns

Water access or quality is the primary challenge, evidenced by a low Water Score of 12.1. The Tax Score of 29.9 also indicates a higher burden than some rural neighbors.

Ideal for Career-Oriented Families

Defiance County is perfect for families focused on educational success and professional growth. It offers strong institutional support for those building a career and raising children.

Score breakdown

Tax29.9Cost51.8Safety56.8Health65.6Schools76.2Income75Risk58.1Water12.1Weather51.3
🏛29.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Defiance County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Defiance County

via TaxByCounty

Defiance taxes run well below national average

At 1.117%, Defiance's effective tax rate falls significantly below the national median of 1.54%, placing the county in the lower third of U.S. jurisdictions. The median property tax of $1,686 represents just 63% of the national median of $2,690, offering substantial relief.

Defiance ranks slightly below state average

Defiance's 1.117% effective rate nearly matches Ohio's state average of 1.148%, positioning the county right at the midpoint of Ohio's tax landscape. The median property tax of $1,686 falls below the statewide average of $2,145, benefiting from lower home values.

Defiance sits between regional extremes

Neighboring Darke County (0.930%) taxes slightly lower, while Crawford County (1.221%) taxes moderately higher, with Defiance at 1.117% splitting the difference. This balanced rate makes Defiance neither a tax haven nor a high-tax burden for the region.

What a Defiance homeowner pays

On the median Defiance home valued at $150,900, homeowners pay approximately $1,686 per year in property taxes—about $141 monthly. This affordable rate reflects the county's moderate tax burden and lower property values in northwestern Ohio.

Assessment appeals are free and simple

Defiance homeowners can request a property tax abatement review from the county auditor at no cost to challenge potentially inflated assessments. Many residents don't realize their homes may be assessed above fair market value—a quick appeal could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Defiance County

via CostByCounty

Defiance balances income and housing costs well

With a median household income of $73,615 (virtually matching the national average), Defiance County residents spend just 13.5% of income on rent—beating both the national benchmark and Ohio's state average of 15.6%. This strong income-to-cost alignment makes Defiance one of Ohio's most balanced housing markets.

Upper tier of Ohio housing affordability

Defiance County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's best affordability metrics, while residents enjoy incomes above the state norm. At $826 monthly rent (only slightly above the state median of $873), Defiance offers stable, predictable housing costs paired with competitive wages.

Slightly higher rent, higher income advantage

Defiance's $826 monthly rent runs 11% higher than Darke County's $747 but pairs with the highest median household income among northwest Ohio peers at $73,615. This income advantage makes Defiance's slightly elevated rents far more manageable than raw numbers suggest.

Strong earnings support manageable housing costs

A typical Defiance County renter earning $73,615 annually pays $826 monthly in rent, consuming just 13.5% of gross income, while homeowners spend $850 on $150,900 median-valued homes. The county's above-average incomes create substantial household budget flexibility for savings and discretionary spending.

Defiance rewards relocators seeking balance

If you're seeking a county where housing remains affordable while incomes stay competitive, Defiance County deserves serious consideration. Strong local employment and reasonable housing costs make this northwest Ohio county an underrated option for cost-conscious professionals and families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Defiance County

via IncomeByCounty

Defiance nearly matches national income

Defiance County's median household income of $73,615 sits just 1.5% below the national median of $74,755, making it one of Ohio's strongest-earning counties. The county punches at the national average despite Ohio's regional economic challenges.

Top tier earner in Ohio

At $73,615, Defiance County's median household income exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $5,514, ranking it well above the state median. The county's economic profile reflects stable manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

Defiance leads northwest Ohio income

Defiance County ($73,615) outearns nearby Crawford ($55,477), Fayette ($60,047), and Darke ($64,654) counties, establishing it as the income leader in northwest Ohio. The $9,000+ advantage over Crawford reflects stronger regional employment.

Excellent housing affordability ratio

Defiance's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% is among the lowest in the region, meaning housing consumes just over one-eighth of median household income. The median home value of $150,900 is highly accessible at this income level.

Build long-term wealth strategically

Defiance County residents earning $73,615 are well-positioned to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, education savings plans, and real estate. The county's affordability advantage means significant money can flow into wealth-building vehicles rather than housing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Defiance County

via CrimeByCounty

Defiance Beats National Rates

Defiance County maintains a strong safety score of 98.4, well above average benchmarks. The total crime rate of 994.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Local law enforcement manages a safe environment across three main reporting agencies.

A Top Performer in Ohio

The county's safety score of 98.4 is higher than the Ohio state average of 97.8. Furthermore, the total crime rate of 994.8 is much lower than the state average of 1,412.3. Defiance County consistently ranks as one of the safer regions within the state.

Regional Safety Overview

Defiance County's crime rate of 994.8 is slightly lower than Crawford County's 1,106.0. It remains one of the most secure counties in its part of Northwest Ohio. These stable numbers provide peace of mind for families and businesses in the area.

Understanding Local Crime Data

The violent crime rate in Defiance is 172.3 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime sits at 822.5 per 100,000 residents. Most reported incidents involve property rather than personal safety concerns.

Protecting Your Defiance Home

With a property crime rate of 822.5, simple deterrents are effective ways to stay safe. Securing windows and using smart doorbells can further reduce the risk of opportunistic theft. Keeping your property secure helps preserve Defiance County's high 98.4 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Defiance County

via HealthByCounty

Defiance excels in life expectancy

Defiance County's 76.2-year life expectancy beats the U.S. average deficit, trailing the national average of 79.1 years by just 2.9 years. At 18.2% poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national average of 18%, suggesting effective local health management.

Among Ohio's healthiest counties

Defiance's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks 1.4 years above Ohio's 74.8-year state average, placing it in the upper tier statewide. The county's 18.2% poor or fair health rate is the best in this profile group.

Regional health leader with balance

Defiance's 76.2-year life expectancy trails only Delaware County (81.1 years) among neighbors, outpacing Crawford (73.4 years) and Darke (75.5 years) by significant margins. The county combines rural character with health outcomes more typical of urban centers.

Good coverage, solid provider network

With 6.5% uninsured and 55 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Defiance combines better-than-average coverage rates with reasonable access to primary care. The 230 mental health providers per 100K suggest residents can access behavioral health support.

Keep your coverage strong

Defiance's low 6.5% uninsured rate shows insurance access works here. If you're among those without coverage, or questioning your plan, visit Healthcare.gov to confirm you have the right protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Defiance County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined School Infrastructure in Northwest Ohio

Defiance County maintains a focused network of 14 schools serving 5,819 students across 5 districts. The system provides a clear student path through 5 elementary and 5 high schools.

Superior Academic Results and Strong Investment

The county’s graduation rate reaches 93.9%, significantly higher than the 88.3% state average. Schools here are well-supported, with per-pupil spending of $8,474 exceeding the Ohio state benchmark of $7,994.

Defiance City Leads Traditional Local Districts

Defiance City is the prominent district, managing 3 schools and 2,339 students. The county contains no charter schools, keeping the educational focus entirely on local districts like Hicksville and Central Local.

A Traditional Rural and Town Feel

With 11 rural schools and 3 town-based campuses, the average school size sits at 416 students. Defiance Elementary is the county's largest hub, enrolling 1,044 students in a single facility.

Invest in a Home Near Successful Districts

High graduation rates and strong academic scores offer peace of mind for families moving to Defiance County. Explore local real estate options to find a home within these high-performing school boundaries.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Defiance County

via RiskByCounty

Defiance County among Ohio's safest

Defiance County scores 41.89 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Very Low' rating well below national averages. The county's disaster exposure remains manageable across most hazard categories.

Well below state risk averages

At 41.89, Defiance County's risk score sits significantly lower than Ohio's state average of 55.03. The county ranks among Ohio's safer communities, reflecting its rural location and limited exposure to major hazard zones.

Low risk compared to regional peers

Defiance County (41.89) presents lower disaster risk than nearby Erie County (61.35) and considerably lower than adjacent Delaware County (78.75). Only Fayette County (25.89) and Crawford County (35.24) pose less risk among northwest Ohio counties.

Tornadoes and floods warrant attention

Tornado risk (63.71) and flood risk (59.35) represent Defiance County's primary natural disaster concerns. Earthquake risk (52.64) ranks third, while wildfire risk (6.90) remains negligible and hurricane risk (27.03) poses minimal threat.

Standard precautions provide solid protection

Defiance County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance and flood coverage for vulnerable properties near water bodies. A designated safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection is a worthwhile investment given the county's moderate tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Defiance County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler pocket in the Midwest

Defiance County records an annual average temperature of 50.2°F, which is cooler than the national median. This northern climate is characterized by shorter growing seasons and crisper air.

Among the cooler Ohio counties

The county's 50.2°F average is significantly lower than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It ranks as one of the colder regions in the state, particularly during the winter months.

Drier than the state average

Defiance County receives only 35.3 inches of annual precipitation, well below the state average of 41.2 inches. It is slightly warmer than neighboring Fulton County, which averages 49.2°F.

Cold winters and sharp heat

Winters are harsh with an average of 27.8°F, though snowfall is moderate at 24.2 inches. Despite the cool average, the county experiences a surprising 18 extreme heat days per year.

Prepare for temperature extremes

Homes require robust heating for the 25.1°F January average and cooling for 18 days of 90°F weather. Outdoor planning should account for the lower-than-average 35.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Defiance County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH Levels in Defiance

Defiance County features Alfisols with a loam texture and a pH of 6.28. This pH level is higher than the Ohio average of 5.97 and approaches the ideal national median of 6.5.

A Heavier Loam Blend

The soil is composed of 37.0% silt, 36.8% sand, and 25.4% clay. This high clay percentage creates a heavier loam that requires careful timing to avoid working the ground when it is too wet.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter levels sit at 3.20%, which is lower than the state average but still above the national average. The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.186 in/in.

Slow Drainage Dynamics

These soils are somewhat poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group D. This means the land tends to stay wet longer in the spring, often requiring tile drainage for optimal agricultural production.

Resilient Forage and Grains

In hardiness zone 6a, the loamy soil of Defiance is well-suited for resilient forage crops and small grains. Gardeners should consider raised beds to help manage the somewhat poor natural drainage of the native soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Defiance County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Challenges in Defiance

Defiance County presents a tougher challenge with a score of 67.7, which is lower than the Ohio average of 76.0. While still better than the national median of 50.0, this zone 6a region requires more active management to stay green.

Higher Heat and Less Rain

The county receives 35.3 inches of rain, which is below the state average, while facing 18 extreme heat days per year. These factors, combined with 3,062 growing degree days, create a shorter but more intense stress period for lawns.

Managing Poorly Drained Loam

The loam soil has a healthy pH of 6.28 but is classified as somewhat poorly drained, which can lead to standing water. With 25.4% clay content, aeration is often necessary to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged during heavy rains.

Coping with Severe Drought

Drought is a major concern here, with 97.7% of the county currently in severe conditions and 29 weeks of drought recorded last year. Using drought-tolerant grass blends and reducing mowing frequency during dry periods will help protect the turf.

Resilient Grass Varieties

Turf-type tall fescue is the best choice for this county due to its deep root system and ability to handle 18 heat days. Start your seeding after the last spring frost on April 28 to give your lawn time to establish before the summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Defiance County's county score?
Defiance County, Ohio has a composite county score of 55.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Defiance County rank among counties in Ohio?
Defiance County ranks #21 among all counties in Ohio on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Defiance County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Defiance County is $1,686, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Defiance County a tax score of 29.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Defiance County?
The median household income in Defiance County, Ohio is $73,615 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Defiance County earns an income score of 75/100 on CountyScore.
Is Defiance County, Ohio a good place to live?
Defiance County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Defiance County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Defiance County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.