Make Defiance Home

Settle in Defiance County, Ohio

Since the foundation of our namesake fort, settlers have enjoyed an exceptional quality of life that’s become emblematic of both Defiance County and Northwest Ohio. Our children are nurtured in some of the top school districts across the state. Our citizens enjoy a wide variety of housing and rewarding career opportunities. And all ages enjoy breathtaking, Midwestern environs at our outdoor recreation areas. In Defiance County, settle into small-town charm with the conveniences of a larger city.

Housing Options

Defiance County has no shortage of properties suitable for putting down roots and raising your family. Settle into a beautifully maintained, turn-of-the-century farmhouse, move into a mid-century ranch, or build from the ground up on acres of undeveloped land waiting to hold your dream home. Whether you settle in Defiance, Hicksville, Sherwood, Ney, or the wide-open rural areas in between, discover how the life you’ve always envisioned is always attainable in safe, nurturing neighborhoods.

Education

We’re serious about education in Defiance County — so much so, our schools our consistently ranked among the top in Northwest Ohio. Defiance City Schools, Ayersville Local School District, Central Local School District, Hicksville Exempted Village School District, and Northeastern Local School District are all committed to providing the young people of Defiance County with the knowledge and skills needed to attain a high quality of living in adulthood. Open enrollment allows parents to choose a school and curriculum they deem best for their children. High school students can get a jump-start on their college education with a dual credits program in association with Defiance College and nearby Northwest State Community College, ensuring your children are afforded the knowledge and skills to build a bright future for themselves.

Job Opportunities

With a rich and varied job market, Defiance County promises exceptional employment opportunities for numerous skills and trades, including advanced manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, and healthcare. Global companies such as General Motors, Johns Manville, and Parker-Hannifin are rooted in Defiance County, as are smaller, local businesses like MEC and APT Manufacturing Solutions. Plus, our proximity to Toledo, OH and Fort Wayne, IN, keeps residents connected to larger metropolitan areas without sacrificing their small-town way of life.

Top Employers

in Defiance County

  1. Keller Logistics Group (Defiance) — 1,500
  2. GM Powertrain (Defiance) — 650
  3. Johns Manville (Defiance) — 644
  4. Maysville Engineering Corp. (Defiance) — 450
  5. ProMedica Defiance Regional Medical Center (Defiance) — 340
  6. Mercy Defiance Hospital and Clinic (Defiance) — 325
  7. GT Technologies (Defiance) — 185
  8. B&B Molded Products (Defiance) — 175
  9. Sabre FWT (Hicksville) — 163
  10. APT Manufacturing Solutions (Hicksville) — 153
  11. Parker Hannifin (Hicksville) — 150
  12. Balchem (Defiance) — 135

Demographics

Established April 7, 1845, Defiance is in the northwestern part of Ohio in Defiance County, about 55 miles southwest of Toledo. The overall county population as of the 2020 U.S. Census was 38,286 with 17,066 living in the city of Defiance. Defiance’s average January temperatures are a high of 31 and a low of 17. Average July temperatures are a high of 84 with lows of 63. Average annual precipitation is 35.60 inches, with an average of 21.8 inches of snow each year.

County Population

Median Household Income

City Population

  • Defiance City: 6,833 households, 4,422 families
  • 88% White
  • 4% Hispanic or Latino
  • 6% African American
  • Median Household Income — $42,940

Geography

  • Elevation — 676 feet
  • Total area — 11 square miles
  • Land — 10.5 sqare miles
  • Water — 0.5 square miles