Davenport, IABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Davenport is home to several charming neighborhoods, a lively downtown and a burgeoning arts scene, offering residents a high quality of life and affordability. From riverfront parks to festivals, Davenport fosters a welcoming community.
Davenport, IA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
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 who call Davenport home enjoy short commutes, a lower cost of living and award-winning health care systems.
As one of the best places to live in the U.S., 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. Inclusivity is also front of mind here, with an Enabling Garden that’s accessible and features plants and flowers that simulate all of the senses.
Davenport also loves festivals and gatherings like Icetravaganza, which puts on a display of illuminated ice sculptures in the winter, and the Riverpalooza concert series, setting the soundtrack in summer.
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, IA Quality of Life LivScore
Davenport, IA Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Amenities
Davenport ranks highest for housing, transportation and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Davenport, IA
Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and snowy. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 64°F (summer) and 33°F and 16°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Davenport is 31 inches. The snowiest month in Davenport is typically January.
The average annual rainfall in Davenport is 37 inches. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being June, July and August.
Davenport averages 200 sunny days a year.
The 33-acre Vander Veer Botanical Park and Conservatory is a gorgeous oasis with walking trails and a rose garden — the conservatory changes with the seasons, with summer tropics and winter Poinsettia lights displays.
Davenport Weather
200 days
Average Annual Sun
37 inches
Average Annual Rain
31 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Davenport, IA
Visit the Putnam Museum and Science Center, where science galleries, an Egyptian exhibit, and fossils and minerals on display pique the curiosity of little ones.
The Freight House Farmers’ Market has 150 vendors, chef demos and live music and is a great place to spend a morning browsing.
Head to The Half Nelson, a stylish restaurant with dishes like crab beignets, pistachio-crusted fish, steaks and Korean fried cauliflower.
Grab an espresso from the drive-thru window at Main Street Coffee. The Davenport staple also serves jumbo muffins, breakfast burritos and more.
The Local and State Economy in Davenport, IA
Davenport has a diverse economy, with several major industries contributing to its growth and development, including manufacturing, health care and logistics and transportation. Lee Enterprises, Von Maur, and Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream are all headquartered in Davenport.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Davenport is 7%.
Yes, Iowa has a state income tax.
Genesis Health System’s Genesis Medical Center-Davenport-West Central Park is one of the highest-ranked hospitals in the area. Other major health care providers in Davenport include UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Mississippi Valley Surgery Center and Vera French Community Mental Health Center are other top providers.
There are several smaller colleges and universities in Davenport, IA, including St. Ambrose University and Eastern Iowa Community College.
Quick Facts About Davenport, IA
- Median Household Income
- $57,916
- Median Home Value
- $156,667
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,522
- Total Population
- 101,738
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $737
- Average Commute
- 17.2 minutes
Davenport is one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks in part to top-tier amenities, a strong local economy and diverse housing options and an affordable cost of living. Learn more about living in Davenport and discover other reasons to move to the Hawkeye State. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
