Living in Davenport, IA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• Livability Partner
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Davenport, IA? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Davenport, IA

Located in the heart of the Midwest along the banks of the Mississippi River, Davenport, IA, is part of the dynamic bi-state Quad Cities region. Those living in Davenport enjoy short commutes, a lower cost of living and award-winning health care systems. 

Davenport and the surrounding cities have great museums, hundreds of miles of trails for walking and biking, and a fun food scene that includes craft breweries and food trucks. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities to kayak and paddleboard along the Mississippi River water trails in the summer and sled, ice skate and snowshoe when winter rolls around.

Inclusivity is also at the front of the mind here, from a city-wide office of Talent & Inclusion to an Enabling Garden that’s accessible and features plants and flowers that simulate all of the senses. The city also has several adaptive and inclusive programs to provide recreation opportunities for residents of all abilities. Residents of all ages love living in this tight-knit city that emphasizes the importance of community.

People moving to Davenport have options for finding their perfect neighborhood. For young families, the city’s top-notch school system and inviting people make it an easy enough place to establish deep and rich connections within the community. Davenport’s 102,360 residents also love festivals and gatherings like Icetravaganza, which puts on a display of illuminated ice sculptures in the winter, and Alternating Currents, a bi-state, multi-city festival featuring 200-plus performances across 30 venues with a variety of music, comedy, film and visual arts.

When it comes to work, Davenport is home to John Deere’s headquarters and has a resilient economy with agricultural innovation as a cornerstone. The area is also attracting remote workers and entrepreneurs, and other top industries here include advanced metals and materials supported by local foundries, as well as defense and logistics.

Davenport is a riverfront city perched in eastern Iowa, about 180 miles west of Chicago, where Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 61 meet along the mighty Mississippi. The nearest airport, Quad City International Airport, is just 10 miles south, a midsize hub with flights to Chicago, Dallas and beyond. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Chicago, IL, is just 180 miles east, where you can cruise the river to admire architecture, visit the Art Institute or root for the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
• Cedar Rapids sits 65 miles northwest, home to the National Czech & Slovak Museum, NewBo City Market and the Paramount Theatre.
• Des Moines is roughly 170 miles west, boasting the Iowa State Capitol, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Des Moines Art Center.

The region experiences all four seasons, with winters that are quite cold and milder summers with temps that usually hover in the mid-70s. Snowfall is lighter than other northern states, averaging 12 inches per year.

Davenport is a midsize city with a steady, diversified economic market downtown and a thriving agricultural border. The largest of the Quad Cities, Davenport has a diverse economy with a mix of industries, including manufacturing, health care and retail trade. Genesis Health System, Davenport Community School District and Hy-Vee, a large grocery store chain, are all significant employers in town. Both Kraft Heinz and John Deere have manufacturing facilities in the area.

And, if you’re new to town, Connect with an Iowan helps residents find opportunities that match their career goals and interests.

The cost of living in Davenport is significantly lower than the national average. The median home value in Davenport is $164,976, and the average household income is $89,195. 

Iowa residents pay a state income tax, and local residents can expect a 7.0% sales tax rate in 2025.

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Davenport is full of fun things to do. The downtown area is full of activity, featuring the Freight House Farmers’ Market and an entertainment district. Cultural sites like the Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum & Science Center and the Adler Theater are all popular spots. Historical sites, including the German American Heritage Center, offer information on the city’s history.

The Vander Veer Botanical Park is 33 acres of beautiful blooms and is believed to be the first botanical garden west of the Mississippi. The Riverwalk and Riverfront district provide the perfect backdrop of the Mighty Mississippi. Davenport residents can enjoy various events and festivals, like Red, White & BOOM! and the Beaux Arts Festival. Catch a game at Modern Woodmen Park, home of the River Bandits baseball team, or explore the city’s unique landmarks, like the Davenport Skybridge. 

Explore the great outdoors in Davenport, where many recreational activities are centered around the riverfront and parks. Residents can walk or bike the Mississippi Riverfront Trail and Duck Creek Parkway or visit one of the dozens of parks around town, like Sunderbruch Park. The Mississippi River provides spots for fishing, boating and kayaking. Parks like Fejervary Park & Aquatic Center and West Lake Park offer family-friendly fun with splash pads and green spaces.

Residents can play disc golf at Credit Island Park or stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront Trail. Davenport has a robust park system, with more than 200 sunny days a year, so residents can capitalize on spending time out and about. Seasonal activities are available, with opportunities to enjoy the riverfront and sports facilities, ensuring that local residents can stay active year-round.

Davenport dining is delicious, from farm-to-table restaurants and bistros like Duck City Bistro and The Half Nelson to casual cafés and breweries like Front Street Brewery. Local spots like The Machine Shed offer farm-style meals, while places like Miss Phay Café feature Vietnamese dishes. The Mississippi River influences the cuisine, providing plenty of seafood options. Craft beer is available at various breweries, and unique experiences can be found at Cafe d’Marie for artisanal coffee and Me & Billy Kitchen and Bar for craft cocktails.

Davenport’s top-notch school system and inviting people make it an easy enough place to establish deep and rich connections within the community. Davenport Community School District is one of the largest in the state — more than 14,000 students are enrolled. Though performance varies from school to school, the district maintains a favorable 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio. There are several private schools located here, too, and most are religiously affiliated. Rivermont Collegiate, a private non-sectarian school, is known for its rigorous academics and college preparation.