A Snapshot of Davenport, Iowa
On the banks of the Mississippi River, where four cities converge across the waters between Illinois and Iowa, lies one of the best small cities you’ve never heard of — Davenport, IA. It was here that the first bridge to carry the railroad across the Big Muddy was built, and that early industry would establish the city as a hub for trade, transit and manufacturing — a legacy that has lasted to this day.
By far the largest of the Quad Cities, Davenport’s population of 100,354 also makes it one of the largest cities in Iowa. The greater QC region now has nearly 500,000 people between Davenport and Bettendorf on the Iowa side and Rock Island and Moline on the Illinois side. Interestingly, there has been virtually no change in the size of these cities over the last dozen years, indicating that they’re still one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s 50 best places to live, Davenport stands out for its affordability, friendly culture and family-centric amenities. Distinctive architecture in neighborhoods like the Hamburg Historic District and quaint restaurants and shops make Davenport’s streets perfect for strolling. That’s doubly true because of the wonderful public spaces the city has invested in, like Vander Veer Botanical Park, Credit Island Park & Natural Historic Preserve and the golf course at Duck Creek Park. These help ensure all residents have access to magnificent green spaces for recreation.
Of course, the riverfront is always the center of attention in Davenport, and when the weather is nice, a bike ride along the Mississippi River Trail or a summertime concert in LeClaire Park can’t be beaten. In the wintertime, the indoor ice rinks will beckon, as will warmer indoor experiences, like visiting exhibitions at the Figge Art Museum or doing hands-on STEM activities at the Putnam.
Those moving to Davenport for a career change will find that the job market in Davenport is driven by longstanding institutions, from commercial to military. Agricultural manufacturing giant John Deere was founded in Moline in 1837, and the Rock Island Arsenal was established in 1862. These two establishments alone employ a sizeable portion of the QC population, but food manufacturers like Kraft Heinz, healthcare titans like MercyOne Genesis and educational institutions like Augustana College create a diverse economic palette.
If you’re looking for an approachable and lively Midwestern city to call home, Davenport, Iowa, should be on your list. Learn more about the Quad Cities and Davenport below in our moving guide, where we’ll discuss the job market, neighborhoods, housing, the cost of living and our favorite things to do.
Cost of Living in Davenport
While there are many appealing aspects of living in Davenport, the modest cost of living is the one that makes the most compelling argument for moving to this Midwestern city. The median home value in Davenport is just $162,900 and rent averages below $1,000/month. Homes cost an average of $30,000 more elsewhere in the state, but the national average is nearly twice as high as Davenport’s. Within the Quad Cities, Rock Island and Moline offer even more affordable properties, while Bettendorf’s higher median of $295,600 trends just below the U.S. average of $303,400.
The caveat, though, is that income levels are lower in Davenport. Households here brought home an average of $64,497 a year between 2019 and 2023, compared to the $73,147 state average and the $78,538 national average.
According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, in a family of three, each working adult needs to earn a minimum of $20.15/hour or a combined $83,830/year before taxes to cover typical household expenses. In an average year, that family should budget $14,180 for transportation, $12,352 for housing, $11,290 for taxes, $10,319 for childcare, $9,540 for food, $9,238 for medical expenses, $8,763 for miscellaneous expenses, $6,077 for civic expense and $2,071 for internet/mobile services. This can be difficult to manage when the average Davenport household brings home $20,000 less than that annually. This may explain why poverty rates are 4.5% higher than the national average here
Job Opportunities in Davenport
The Quad City regional workforce now has 181,600 nonfarm workers. Although the QC economy has a diverse array of industries, one of them stands out above the rest: Trade, Transportation & Utilities. This sector alone employs 41,600 individuals — 30% more than either the education & health services sector or manufacturing, the second and third-largest industries.
Between December of 2023 and 2024, there was modest fluctuation in employment across the board, but professional and business services took a hard hit, shedding nearly 9% of its workforce over the year from already diminished numbers. Although overall figures improved over the past six months, the area’s unemployment rate of 4.5% stood in stark contrast to the nation’s 3.8% rate, especially when you factor in even higher numbers in Henry and Rock Island Counties.
John Deere has been a stalwart of the region since its founding in Moline in 1837, and its global headquarters there employ roughly 6,700 individuals in the Quad Cities. But there are plenty of other interesting companies to work for in Davenport, too. The Rock Island Arsenal is the second-largest employer, supporting 6,300 jobs in the defense manufacturing arena, joined by companies like Arconic and Eaton/CobHam Mission Systems.
In healthcare, UnityPoint Health-Trinity and MercyOne Genesis employ nearly 11,000, combined. Food manufacturing, though, takes the prize for the most diverse and dominant divisions of its sector, with companies from Tyson to Kraft Heinz, Nestle Purina and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) all maintaining bases in the area.
One of the biggest regional assets is higher education. Eastern Iowa Community College, Augustana College and St. Ambrose University provide 1,875+ jobs and support the educational needs of the community. There are 50 colleges within 90 miles of Davenport, including Bradley University and the University of Iowa, and schools like Iowa State, the University of Chicago, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are also driving distance from home.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Davenport
With 100,000 city residents and nearly half a million in the region, the city of Davenport has a fun, sophisticated vibe on an approachable scale. You’ll rarely face a traffic jam, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t dozens of great places to visit and gorgeous neighborhoods to call home. Here are a few of our favorite places in Davenport.
Perched on the river’s edge, Downtown Davenport takes advantage of the waterfront with festivities throughout the year. Centennial Park and LeClaire Park offer panoramic views of the Mississippi. When the weather is nice, you can catch a concert with your family at the historic bandshell or watch a minor league ballgame at Modern Woodmen Park — go River Bandits! In addition to being the city’s business district, you’ll also find plenty of places for recreation downtown, like the Figge Art Museum, the German American Heritage Center & Museum and the Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives, which celebrates one of Jazz’s shortest-lived virtuosos. Grab a casual bite at Me & Billy Kitchen & Bar or a craft beer at Sippi’s with more than 20 selections on tap. Condos and apartments dominate the real estate market downtown, but renting is the norm. You’ll find eccentric lofts in historic, rehabbed buildings and contemporary townhomes in brand-new digs.
Drive just a couple miles east, and you’ll find yourself in the Village of East Davenport — a neighborhood whose charming main streets (11th and Mound) have been tempting passersby with chocolates from Lagomarcino’s since 1908 and with Rudy’s Tacos since 1973. Looking for a gift that you can’t find on Amazon? Buy an original woodcut or a dazzling glasswork from Kaleidoscope Works Art Gallery & Gifts. Calla has all the stylish home goods the discerning shopper desires, from sassy drink labels to trendy stoneware. And don’t forget Doodads, which is always stocked with must-have vintage collectibles. The turn-of-the-last-century homes in the Village of East Davenport are equally enchanting. Clapboard Victorians, stucco bungalows and brand-new single families all have a place in this cozy district, some with dreamy water views.
North of downtown is the Gold Coast-Hamburg Historic District — one of the most desirable places to live in the city. Ornate, 19th-century mansions with round porches and original woodwork offer a look back in time, while upper-story windows make for rooms with a view. Settled by the Germans, the hilly streets are lined with important architectural treasures of the region, and there aren’t many American neighborhoods where a slice of history can be had for such a reasonable price. Hop on the annual home tour for a peek inside some of the most spectacular specimens, like the Italianate Goldschmidt/Voss home or the Haack/Meier home, a stately American Foursquare. There aren’t too many places to eat in this residential district, but Café d’Marie is a delight. They’re known for their quiches and panini, but we are partial to their chocolate scones, when they have them, and the bread pudding is always worth indulging in.
Entertainment and Recreation in Davenport
As the biggest city in the QC, Davenport has an outsize share of amenities, and whether you like sports, museums, festivals or nature, you’ll find plenty of fellow enthusiasts in this Iowa hub.
The Mississippi Riverfront plays the backdrop to most things in Davenport. On this waterfront stage, you can see the MiLB River Bandits play at Modern Woodmen Park, let the kids cool off on the splash pads in Centennial Park, or go ice skating at the River’s Edge, an indoor facility open all year round.
One of the longest-standing outdoor traditions in the area is the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, which will celebrate its 40th year in 2025. The sounds of living legends will fill the LeClaire Bandshell and carry themselves across the muddy waters of the Mighty Miss’ for a weekend of music, food and fun.
On a regular weekend in Davenport, the Freight House Farmers Market will set you up with the finest local fare. From there, you can ride your bikes along the riverfront trail or go kayaking off Credit Island.
The Vander Veer Botanical Park is one of Davenport’s most glimmering gems. Dating back to the 1800s, the 33-acre spread has a fabulous rose garden, an elegant allée and a lagoon for catch-and-release fishing. Best of all, the park is free and open to the public.
When the weather isn’t so fine, the Putnam Museum and Science Center brings the great outdoors inside. Learn about the wildlife in your own backyard in the Black Earth/Big River exhibit, or travel to far-flung lands from ancient Rome to contemporary West Africa — or even outer space!
Those interested in the Quad Cities’ past will want to plan a visit to the German American Heritage Center & Museum. The influx of German immigrants in the 1800s was so profound that one journalist dubbed Davenport “the most German city” in all the Midwest. The museum is housed in the old Standard Hotel building, which many newcomers called their first home upon arrival, and the exhibits showcase the cultural contributions these Europeans made to the small, growing city.
Another historical must-see is the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. The Arsenal is still one of the dominant employers in the area, and visitors can see artifacts dating back long before the museum’s opening in 1905. The Rappahannock Forge Wall Gun, for instance, was high-tech equipment in 1777, when it was used by Revolutionary War soldiers. Other exhibits highlight the lesser known but invaluable work of women during WWII and the formerly enslaved Black soldiers who formed the 108th Infantry Regiment, United States Colored Troops.
Now celebrating its 100th year, the Figge Art Museum has an eclectic permanent collection with everything from the Grant Wood archive to art of the Haitian diaspora. The museum’s temporary exhibitions are just as revelatory, however. This year, museum visitors will be treated to a light installation by artist Leo Villareal and work by Myrlande Constant, Louise Kames and Cara and Diego Romero.
Plan Your Move to Davenport, Iowa
Are you ready to move to Davenport, Iowa? If the Quad Cities are in your future, let United Van Lines help your family relocate. Millions of families have entrusted United with their cross-country, residential moves.
As America’s #1 Mover®, United can help your family move cross-country to Davenport or move locally within the Quad Cities or the state of Iowa. We offer customized moving packages and full-service moving packages to tailor our services to your needs. United Van Lines’ professional, long-distance movers can help you move from anywhere in the U.S., and our services can include packing, unpacking, storage services, debris removal, car shipping and more. Before booking your move, learn about the types of moving quotes and estimates you may receive.
If you’re moving locally, United’s interstate Davenport agents/movers can provide local moving services in the Quad Cities and Iowa independently under their own businesses and brands.
Even if you intend to handle your own move, don’t go it alone. You’ll find in-depth advice on moving in our moving magazines, including articles like Hiring Movers vs. Moving Yourself: Which is Best?, our week-by-week move checklist and these top packing tips.
If you’ll be moving out of state, our step-by-step guide to moving long-distance is an essential reading.
If you’re still looking for places to move, you’ll find guides to popular cities and states including this Moving Guide to Iowa.
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