Defiance County

Defiance County, OH, has a population of approximately 38,000 people. The racial composition is around 90% White, 1.5% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 7% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is roughly $52,000, and about 13% of the population lives below the poverty line. The age distribution includes 24% under 18, 60% between 18-64, and 16% 65 and older. The education level shows about 87% have a high school diploma, and 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Defiance County, OH, has a median home value of approximately $138,000. Homeownership stands at around 74%, with the median rent estimated at $704 per month. The county has roughly 15,000 housing units, with a vacancy rate of about 10.8%. Housing costs consume approximately 20% of the median household income, which is around $54,000 annually. The housing market has seen a modest annual appreciation rate of 1-2%. New construction and development projects are minimal, reflecting a stable yet modestly growing market.

Defiance County, OH, participates in various elections, including federal, state, and local races. The key positions typically include county commissioners, judges, and local officials. As of the latest election:

• Commissioners: The Board of County Commissioners has 3 members. In the last cycle, 2 seats were contested.
• Judges: Common Pleas Court, Probate/Juvenile Court.
• Fiscal Officer: Manages county finances.
• Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney: Law enforcement and legal positions.

Candidates in the 2022 cycle included:

• Republican candidates such as Allen Heldman (Commissioner) and Douglas Engel (Sheriff).
• Democratic candidates like Steve Cramer (Commissioner).

Voter turnout:

• 2020 Presidential Election: Approximately 71.8% turnout (21,876 voters).
• 2022 Midterms: Generally lower, around 50-60% turnout.

These elections shape the governance of Defiance County, impacting local policy and community services. For the most current candidate lists and turnout numbers, please refer to the Defiance County Board of Elections.

As of recent data, Defiance County, OH shows the following education metrics:

• High School Diploma or higher: Approximately 89.7% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma. This is slightly below the national average of around 91%.
• Bachelor's Degree or higher: Around 17.9% of the county's residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below both the national average of approximately 33% and the Ohio state average of about 28%.

Overall, Defiance County trails behind both the national and state averages in terms of higher education attainment. The emphasis on vocational training and 2-year degrees is relatively higher as compared to 4-year institutions, reflecting regional educational trends and local workforce demands.

As of the most recent data, Defiance County, OH has an estimated labor force of around 18,000 individuals. The county's unemployment rate is approximately 4.0%, which is close to the Ohio state average of 4.1% and slightly below the national average of 4.2%.

Top industries in Defiance County include:

1. Manufacturing: Around 28% of the workforce.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Approximately 14% of employment.
3. Retail Trade: Around 12%.
4. Educational Services: About 10%.
5. Construction: Nearly 6%.

Comparatively, the national employment averages are:

• Manufacturing: 8.4%
• Healthcare and Social Assistance: 14.8%
• Retail Trade: 10.4%
• Educational Services: 9.2%
• Construction: 7.0%

Ohio's averages are:

• Manufacturing: 13%
• Healthcare and Social Assistance: 15%
• Retail Trade: 11%
• Educational Services: 9.5%
• Construction: 5%

Defiance County's strong manufacturing base stands out against both state and national trends.

As of recent data, Defiance County, OH has a median household income of approximately $54,000. This figure is below both the national median household income, which is around $70,700, and the Ohio state median household income, at roughly $58,600.

Income Comparison Table

This demonstrates that Defiance County's median household income lags behind its state and national counterparts, highlighting potential economic disparities in the region.

As of the latest data available, Defiance County, Ohio, has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 12.5 per 1,000 residents. Below is a table outlining the different types of crimes and their respective rates:

Violent crimes remain low at 1.3 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes are more prevalent at 6.8 per 1,000. Efforts by local law enforcement continue to focus on reducing these rates further. Data may vary year by year due to reporting practices and population changes.