Defiance, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
251
21.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,542/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
123
12.8% year-over-year change

Defiance population

How many people live in Defiance

Defiance is home to 251 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.8% of Defiance locals are male, and 46.2% are female.

Total population
251
21.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.8%
135
Female
46.2%
116
Value Percent YoY change
Male 135 53.8% 18.4%
Female 116 46.2% 24.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Defiance is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.5% are children under 15, then 4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.6% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.5%
15 to 24
4%
25 to 44
36.6%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 39 15.5% 50.0%
15 to 24 10 4% -37.5%
25 to 44 92 36.6% 73.6%
45 to 64 63 25.1% 6.8%
Over 65 47 18.7% -11.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 240 95.6% 20.6%
Non-citizens 11 4.4% 37.5%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.2%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 233 92.8%
Two or more races 3 1.2%
Other 15 6%

Households in Defiance

A peek inside Defiance households

Defiance has 119 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.6% are families, while the remaining 34.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
119
15.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
41
Family households
78
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 41 34.4% 5.1%
Family households 78 65.6% 21.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Defiance

The housing landscape of Defiance

Defiance's housing consists of 123 units, with 91.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
123
12.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 113 91.9%
3 or 4 units 1 0.8%
5 to 9 units 1 0.8%
Mobile home 8 6.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Defiance

In Defiance, the median construction year is 1952. About 45.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 56 45.5% 3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4 3.2% 33.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7 5.7% 40.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15 12.2% 50.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15 12.2% -28.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15 12.2% 87.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2 1.6% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8 6.5% 60.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1 0.8% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Defiance occupancy rates

Out of the 119 occupied housing units in Defiance, 89.9% are owner-occupied, while 10.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
119
15.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12
Owner occupied
107
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12 10.1% -20.0%
Owner occupied 107 89.9% 21.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Defiance housing costs

Housing costs in Defiance come to a median of $637 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $770.

Median housing costs per month
$637/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Defiance
$770/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Defiance

Defiance education at a glance

About 53.2% of the population in Defiance went to high school, while 28.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 7.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 1% -60.0%
High school diploma 109 53.2% 23.9%
College diploma 58 28.3% 26.1%
Associate degree 13 6.3% -23.5%
Bachelor's degree 15 7.3% 66.7%
Graduate degree 8 3.9% 166.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Defiance

How much people earn in Defiance

The average annual household income in Defiance was $93,963 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +23.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,542, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Defiance
$93,963/year
23.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Defiance
$53,542/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Defiance income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,750 overall. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $53,750 5.7%
Over 65 $41,250 -28.7%
Above poverty level
221
Below poverty level
29
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 221 88.4% 28.5%
Below poverty level 29 11.6% -12.1%

Average renter income in Defiance

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Defiance, their median household income was $56,875 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 16.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,875
Rent-to-income ratio
16.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Defiance

Workforce and job types in Defiance

The job market in Defiance is powered by 150 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 50.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 49.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.3% run their own businesses, 70% are employed by private companies, and 10% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
150
28.2% year-over-year change
White collar
76
Blue collar
74
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 76 50.7% 35.7%
Blue collar 74 49.3% 21.3%
Employer type
Self employees
15.3%
Private companies
70%
Governmental workers
10%
Not for profit companies
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 23 15.3% 15.0%
Private companies 105 70% 22.1%
Governmental workers 15 10% 87.5%
Not for profit companies 7 4.7% 133.3%
Unemployment rate
0.7%
-50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Defiance stands at 0.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Defiance

How people get around in Defiance

Commuting methods vary: 81.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 122 81.3% 28.4%
Walk 16 10.7% 45.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Defiance by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51527 362 166 $64,750 $107,198

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FAQs about Defiance demographics 

What is the total population of Defiance?

Defiance has a total population of 251 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +21.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Defiance?

The gender ratio in Defiance is as follows:
  • 53.8% males (135 residents)
  • 46.2% females (116 residents)

What is the median age in Defiance?

The median age in Defiance is 36.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Defiance?

The age distribution in Defiance is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.5% (39 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4% (10 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.6% (92 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (63 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (47 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Defiance?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Defiance is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (233 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.2% (3 residents)
  • Other: 6% (15 residents)

What percentage of the population in Defiance are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Defiance.

How many housing units are there in Defiance?

There are 123 housing units in Defiance, reflecting a +12.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Defiance and what is the average household size?

Defiance has a total of 119 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Defiance?

Defiance has a median household income of $53,542, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Defiance?

The employment rate is 99.3% in Defiance, with a workforce of 150 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 50.7% (76 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 49.3% (74 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.3% (23 residents)
  • Private companies: 70% (105 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10% (15 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.7% (7 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025