Davenport, IA: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Davenport: The Data Profile (2026)

Davenport represents a specific value proposition in the post-remote economy: a low-cost, stable service hub with specific trade-offs in health outcomes and property crime. The city's median income of $69,595 sits -6.7% below the national median of $74,580. However, this income gap is aggressively offset by a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 82.0 for housing, indicating an -18.0% discount versus the national average.

The statistical target demographic for Davenport is the "cost-conscious essential worker" or the hybrid remote professional seeking maximum housing square footage. With only 31.5% of the population holding a college degree (below the US average of 33.1%), the labor market skews toward skilled trades, healthcare support, and logistics. This is a city for those prioritizing purchasing power over career prestige.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage of Davenport is immediate. A single occupant can live comfortably on a monthly budget of $2,750, while a family of four requires approximately $5,600. The primary driver of this efficiency is the energy sector; electricity costs 13.4 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
While the median income is lower, the "rent-to-income" ratio is favorable. A single earner at the median income pays approximately 16.4% of gross monthly income on a 2-bedroom rental (based on $1,143 rent). This is well below the recommended 30% threshold, leaving substantial disposable income for savings or debt reduction.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is Davenport's strongest asset. The median home price is estimated at $195,000, roughly $115,000 cheaper than the US average. The Price per Square Foot sits at $120, offering significant space for the budget.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Buying is mathematically superior in Davenport. The price-to-rent ratio favors ownership. With a median home price of $195,000 and a 3BR rent of $1,450, the monthly mortgage payment (with 20% down) is likely comparable to the rental cost, building equity in a market with a -37.1% discount to the national average.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Davenport's economy is stable but not high-growth. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, slightly better than the national average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market for service and industrial roles.

RTO & Commute:
In the post-remote landscape of 2026, Davenport's average commute time of 19 minutes is a significant quality-of-life asset. The city serves as a regional hub for the "Quad Cities" metro area, meaning traffic congestion remains minimal compared to major metros. Local industry is anchored by manufacturing (John Deere), healthcare (Genesis Health System), and retail logistics. High-speed internet infrastructure has improved, supporting the 25% of the workforce that remains hybrid.

Quality of Life Audit

While financially attractive, Davenport presents specific health and safety challenges. The Health Score of 77.4/100 is rated "Good," but underlying risk factors are elevated. The Obesity Rate is 42.6%, significantly higher than the US average of 31.9%.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is a mixed bag. Violent Crime is 456 per 100k (US avg: 380), which is AVERAGE. However, Property Crime is high at 2,678 per 100k (US avg: 2,000). Residents must be vigilant about property security.

Air Quality & Weather:
The air quality is a major highlight. The AQI of 46 and PM2.5 level of 6.1 µg/m³ are well below national averages, offering clean breathing. However, the climate is harsh; the current temperature is 34.0°F with rain and snow likely, reflecting a continental climate with cold winters.

Schools:
Public school performance is statistically average, with graduation rates hovering around 88%, slightly below the national average of 90%.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A -37.1% discount on median home prices creates massive wealth-building potential.
• Low Overhead: Electricity at 13.4¢/kWh and a COLI of 82.0 stretch the $69,595 median income significantly.
• Clean Air: An AQI of 46 puts Davenport in the top tier for air quality.

Cons:

• Health Risks: An obesity rate of 42.6% suggests a challenging environment for wellness and active lifestyles.
• Property Crime: A rate of 2,678/100k is 34% higher than the national average.
• Income Ceiling: Salaries are -6.7% lower than the US average; career growth may require remote work.

Final Recommendation:
Davenport is a Buy for the data-driven saver. If you can secure remote income or a stable job in healthcare/logistics, the $1,450 monthly rent or $195,000 home prices provide a financial runway impossible in coastal markets. It is not recommended for those prioritizing high-end career networking or strict health/fitness cultures.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Davenport?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 allows for a 30% housing allocation and savings. For a family, $85,000 is the target to maintain a middle-class lifestyle.

2. How does the value compare to other Midwest cities?
Davenport offers 15-20% lower housing costs than nearby metros like Des Moines or Madison, WI, though it has slightly higher crime metrics.

3. Is the property crime rate manageable?
While 2,678/100k is high, it is largely concentrated in specific zones. Suburban areas like Bettendorf have crime rates significantly lower than the city average.

4. When is the best time to move?
The real estate market is most active in spring/summer. However, moving in winter (Current Temp: 34.0°F) can yield lower rental rates and more negotiating power on home purchases due to low demand.