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Defiance, OH

Frequently asked questions

Defiance, OH

Defiance is a city in and the county seat of Defiance County, Ohio, United States, about 55 miles (89 km) southwest of Toledo and 47 miles (76 km) northeast of Fort Wayne, Indiana, in Ohio's northwestern corner. The population was 17,066 at the 2020 census.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.13 square miles (31.42 km²), of which, 11.62 square miles (30.10 km²) is land and 0.51 square miles (1.32 km²) is water.

Defiance lends its name to a distinct end moraine from the Wisconsin glaciation. As Cushing et al. point out, "The Defiance moraine represents the last notable stand of the glacial front in this region." The moraine varies in width from 2 to 4 miles [3.2 to 6.4 km], and according to Leverett, "it is like a broad wave whose crest stands 20 to 50 feet [6.1 to 15.2 m] above the border of the plain outside it."

The city contains the site of Fort Defiance, built by General "Mad" Anthony Wayne in August 1794, during the Northwest Indian War at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee rivers. General Wayne surveyed the land and declared to General Scott, "I defy the English, Indians, and all the devils of hell to take it." Using the fort as a base of operations, Wayne ordered his troops to destroy Native American crops and villages within a radius of 50 miles (80 km) around the fort. Today a pair of cannons outside the city library on the Maumee River overlook the confluence and mark the location of Fort Defiance, along with a mounded outline of the fort walls. The city was named after Fort Defiance.

From Fort Defiance, the U.S. forces moved northeast along the Maumee River to fight the decisive Battle of Fallen Timbers near the current town of Maumee, Ohio. This victory secured for the United States the Northwest Territory, now the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Fort Winchester was built on the same spot during the War of 1812, but it was a larger fort that extended southward somewhat along the Auglaize River. Historical plaques on the sidewalks mark the full extent of Fort Winchester. In 1822, Defiance was laid out as a town. In 1845, it was made the county seat of the newly created county, and it became a city in 1881.

Health and wellness are paramount in Defiance, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Defiance County General Health District stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Defiance Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Buchman Fitness Center, Iron Faith Gym, and Defiance Strength & Conditioning. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Defiance, such as the Defiance Reservoir and Old Oak Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Defiance, OH are Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum, Independence Dam State Park, and AuGlaize Village & Farm Museum.

Population: 17,180 (2024). ZIP code: 43512. Area code: 419. Elevation: 676 ft (206 m). Area: 13.28 sq mi (34.40 km²).

FAQs

Is Defiance, OH a good place to live?

Living in Defiance offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Defiance, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Defiance and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Defiance are above average.

What is the crime rate in Defiance, OH?

The crime rate in Defiance is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 15 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Defiance is 1 in 69. Based on FBI crime data, Defiance is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Ohio, Defiance has a crime rate that is higher than 77% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Defiance, OH expensive?

Defiance is 10% less expensive than the national average and 1% more expensive to live in than the average city in Ohio. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Defiance are less affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Defiance are less affordable than average in the United States.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Defiance

Defiance County General Health District 

Defiance Parks and Recreation Department 

Buchman Fitness Center

Iron Faith Gym 

Defiance Strength & Conditioning

Defiance Reservoir 

Old Oak Trail

Andrew L. Tuttle Memorial Museum

Independence Dam State Park

AuGlaize Village & Farm Museum

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Erieri

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