Cost of Living in Defiance County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Defiance County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Defiance County ranks #1,035 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Defiance County, Ohio
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Defiance County
Affordability Verdict
Defiance County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $826/month representing approximately 13.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Defiance County pay $826/month on average, compared to $850/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,429/year. With a median household income of $73,615, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Defiance County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Ohio, Defiance County is more affordable than Mahoning County by roughly 7% ($826/mo vs $775/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Defiance County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,718
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Defiance County
Median home value is $150,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,205 vs. your max of $1,718.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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