Firstly why Davenport, Iowa?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Davenport
• State: Iowa
• Population: 101,590 people
• Davenport’s quick summary would be Known for its beautiful riverfront and the vibrant Figge Art Museum.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 8,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 350

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a riverside lifestyle and strong community appealing to families

Perk #1: Davenport Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 67%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $53,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Davenport is $54,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Davenport’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,607
• Property Tax %: 1.48%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,040
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock-Island, and probably could include East-Moline
• Avg. Age of Homes in Davenport: 81 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Davenport’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Davenport are  Healthcare, Education, and Manufacturing
• Davenport Job Scene: moderate job market in manufacturing and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech community with emphasis on healthcare technology and local services , ,
• Davenport Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Davenport: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Davenport

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-80 and I-74 create key routes through Davenport linking it to Chicago
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Brady Street
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Davenport: 59,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Davenport: iowadot.gov/mvd
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Davenport Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Davenport’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flooding
• General Weather in Davenport is best described as features a humid continental climate with hot summers mild winters and notable seasonal changes offering a pleasant spring and a striking autumn foliage display
• Winter Weather in Davenport i’d describe as cold and snowy
• Spring Weather in Davenport can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Davenport are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Davenport is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 92 days in summer
• Days in a row in Davenport below Freezing: 25
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urban pollution
• Davenport Winter Air generally acceptable air quality influenced by urban factors

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Davenport Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Davenport 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Davenports’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Davenport Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Davenport Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Davenport only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Davenport only Police Officers is about 96
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Davenport’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Davenport’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Davenport’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Davenport

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: riverside city known for its art scene and historic districts
• You might enjoy local music at the Adler Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Davenport  offers a cozy nightlife with a nice selection of local pubs and eateries perfect for socializing

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Davenport

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a range of American style diners and local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Davenport
• The Popular Sports Team is Davenport Bulldogs
• Top Level Political Climate in Davenport can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on community development
• Davenport’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Presbyterian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Davenport Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Davenport has 20 Parks?
• Wonderscape Park is Davenport’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Davenport Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Davenport Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Davenport can be described as steady pace with a rich history and riverfront activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Davenport visiting local attractions playing in parks picnicking
• The Cities people commute to from Davenport are Rock-Island 9 miles away Moline 10 miles away Bettendorf 7 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Davenport or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Brady Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Davenport’s Flooding risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Davenport are Rock-Island 9 miles away Moline 10 miles away Bettendorf 7 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Davenport has 25 days in a row below freezing and 92 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Davenport people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   350 homeless people living in Davenport. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with a focus on community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Davenport.

Retiree & Senior Life in Davenport

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might be eligible for tax deductions related to property tax burdens
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Silvercrest
• Davenport Senior Center hosts social events fitness classes and meal programs for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Davenport, Iowa?

If Davenport, Iowa ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Davenport, Iowa, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!