Davenport, IA is a small city with a population of just over 100,000 people as of 2024. With the rising prices of real estate in larger cities, more and more people are looking to Davenport as a potential relocation option, both from within Iowa, and from around the world.

If you’re considering moving to Davenport, there are a number of things you should know before making the dive. Read on to learn everything you need to know about living in Davenport, IA in 2024.

Is Davenport, IA a Good Place to Live?

​Davenport, Iowa is a great place to live. The cost of living is reasonable, the people are friendly, and there are plenty of things to do. Davenport has a strong sense of community that feels welcoming to newcomers, which makes it a good place to move to.

Does that mean there aren’t any bad things about living in Davenport? No—of course not. There is no perfect city, and Davenport is no exception. For example, you may find that the winters are a bit cold and the summers are hot and humid, but there aren’t very many cities in the US that have a perfect climate.

Quality of Life in Davenport

​Davenport is a wonderful place to live! The people are friendly, the cost of living is affordable, and there are plenty of things to do in the area.

What’s it like living in Davenport? It’s great! There’s a strong sense of community here, and everyone is very friendly. The city is also very clean and safe, overall. We say overall because Davenport used to be a semi-dangerous place to live. But the crime rate has come down quite significantly over the last few decades.

Are there any severely bad things about living in Davenport? No, nothing too glaring. The city is well-run and there’s a low crime rate. The only thing I can think of is that it can get a bit cold in the winter, but that’s true of anywhere in Iowa.

Overall, Davenport is a great city to raise a family in, and there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re into the arts, outdoor activities, or just want to relax and enjoy a good meal, Davenport has it all.

Education and Healthcare in Davenport

​If you’re considering a move to Davenport, Iowa, you might be wondering about the quality of education and healthcare in the city. Here’s what you should know.

Davenport is home to a number of colleges and universities, including Palmer College of Chiropractic, St. Ambrose University, and the University of Iowa. There are also plenty of K-12 school options, both public and private. So whether you’re looking for higher education opportunities for yourself or your family, you’ll find them in Davenport.

As for healthcare, Davenport is served by several hospitals, including Genesis Medical Center and Trinity Medical Center. There are also many clinics and doctors’ offices throughout the city. So you’ll have no problem getting the medical care you need in Davenport.

In short, Davenport is a great place to live if you’re looking for somewhere with easy access to high-quality education and healthcare.

Employment Outlook in Davenport

The largest employer in Davenport is the public school system, with over 4,500 people in the city being employed within it. Scott Community College is the second largest employer in the city, with over 900 employees alone. The city’s third largest employer is Genesis Health System, with over 800 employees. The city’s fourth largest employer is Kraft Foods, with just over 700 employees. Rounding out the top five employers in the city is Alcoa, an aluminum producer with a base in Davenport, with over 600 employees.

The manufacturing and healthcare industries are the two largest sectors of employment in Davenport. The manufacturing sector employs over 16% of the city’s workforce, while the healthcare sector employs another 13% of the city’s workforce. Other significant sectors of employment in Davenport include the retail trade sector, which employs over 9% of the city’s workforce, and the education and government sectors, which each employ over 8% of the city’s workforce.

The unemployment rate in Davenport was 4.6% as of November 2023, which is actually higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.7%, also as of November 2023.

Living in Davenport, you will also quickly realize that agriculture is a strong economic driver in Iowa as a whole, with lots of corn, soybean, cattle, and hog farms a stone’s throw from Davenport.

farming in davenport ia

Overall, Davenport is a city with a strong employment outlook. The manufacturing and healthcare industries are particularly strong in Davenport, and the unemployment rate is lower than the national average

Entertainment & Recreation in Davenport

Davenport has a variety of entertainment and recreation options. The city has two movie theaters, the Davenport 10 and the Davenport 20. There are also a number of museums, including thePutnam Museum, the Figge Art Museum, and the Mississippi River Museum.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Davenport has over 50 parks, including Riverside Park, Fejervary Park, and Credit Island Park. The city also has a number of golf courses, including the Emeis Golf Course and the Davenport Country Club.

Davenport is located in a beautiful setting along the Mississippi River. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, so be sure to take advantage of them. Go for a walk or bike ride along the riverfront, or explore one of the city’s many parks.

Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or a day of exploring, Davenport has something to offer everyone.

The Housing Market in Davenport

​​According to BestPlaces.net, the cost of buying a home in Davenport is 6.0% cheaper than in Des Moines. The average purchase price of a home in Davenport is $165,200, while the average in Des Moines is $175,700.

This makes Davenport a more affordable place to settle down than just about any large city in the US, with the purchase price being up to 70% less expensive than the national average

Community Engagement in Davenport

Davenport is a great place to live for those who are looking for a sense of community. There are many opportunities for community engagement, and residents are very friendly and welcoming. There are a variety of community events that take place throughout the year, and there are also many volunteer opportunities available.

For those who enjoy sports, the City of Davenport also offers a number of recreational sports leagues, including indoor and outdoor soccer, volleyball, softball, and more.

To learn more about how you can start volunteering in Davenport, check out this City of Davenport page.

How to Move to Davenport in 2024

If you’re looking for a city with a small-town feel but all the amenities of a big city, Davenport is the perfect place for you. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your move to Davenport.

Before you pack up your belongings and head to Davenport, take some time to get to know the city. Browse online resources, read local news, and explore the city’s website to get a feel for what Davenport is all about.

Once you’ve decided to make the move to Davenport, it’s time to start looking for a place to live. There are a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, so take your time and find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Making the move to Davenport can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can make the most of your move and enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer.