Is Davenport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Davenport

Is it Safe to Live in Davenport?

Davenport presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are a significant concern for potential residents. The city experiences a high rate of violent crime, which is considerably above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Furthermore, property crime rates in Davenport are also substantially higher than the national average, with a notable increase in motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When considering personal safety, your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Davenport is approximately one in 174 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The likelihood of falling victim to property crime is about one in 29 (as reported by AreaVibes). Overall, the total crime rate per thousand residents places Davenport significantly higher than most communities across the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living in Davenport

Davenport offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Housing expenses in Davenport are slightly higher than the national average, but utility prices are notably lower (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices also tend to be lower than the national average, contributing to overall savings for residents (as reported by Payscale).

To live comfortably as a single adult in Davenport, an estimated annual salary of around $67,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com). The median home value in Davenport is significantly lower than the national average, with one report indicating it at $164,976 (as reported by Livability.com) and another at $188,750 (as reported by Redfin). Rental costs are also considerably below the national average, with average rents reported around $975 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Housing Costs

The housing market in Davenport is characterized by its affordability compared to national benchmarks. The median sale price of a home in Davenport was recently reported at $188,750, showing a year-over-year increase (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price is considerably lower than the national average, by about 57% (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Davenport are also quite competitive. The average rent for all property types is approximately $975 per month (as reported by Zillow). A 1-bedroom apartment in Davenport can be expected to rent for around $870, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages approximately $1,095 (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

Davenport’s job market is anchored by a diverse industrial base, though it has seen shifts over the years. Historically, manufacturing played a significant role, with companies producing locomotives, machinery, and automotive parts (as reported by Wikipedia). Currently, major employers in the region include prominent companies like John Deere, Kraft Heinz, and Arconic (as reported by Zippia).

The Trade, Transportation & Utilities sector is a significant employer in the Quad Cities region, employing a substantial number of individuals (as reported by United Van Lines®). While the overall cost of living is lower, household incomes in Davenport have historically been below both the state and national averages (as reported by United Van Lines®). The average hourly wage in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island metropolitan area was $29.21 in May 2024, which is lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Major Employers

Several large companies contribute significantly to Davenport’s employment landscape. John Deere is a globally recognized leader in agriculture and construction equipment, with a substantial presence in the area (as reported by Lensa and Zippia). The Kraft Heinz Company is another major employer, known for its extensive range of food products (as reported by Zippia and Wikipedia). Arconic, a global provider of engineered solutions for the aerospace and automotive industries, also plays a role in the local economy (as reported by Zippia).

Other notable companies providing employment include Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and Target, which are significant players in the retail sector (as reported by Indeed.com). These diverse employers offer a range of opportunities across various industries within the Davenport area.

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate in Davenport has shown some fluctuations, with recent data indicating it at 4.90% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the area. The average annual salary in Davenport is approximately $53,280, translating to about $25.62 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

However, there is a range in earning potential, with most salaries falling between $34,839 and $69,059 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean hourly wage of $29.21 for the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island metropolitan area in May 2024, which is below the national average (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate in Davenport

Davenport experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The summers are typically long, warm, humid, and wet, while the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy (as reported by NOAA). Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 16°F to 85°F, with rare occurrences of temperatures below -4°F or above 93°F (as reported by NOAA).

The hot season in Davenport lasts for about four months, from mid-May to late September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 74°F (as reported by NOAA). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 85°F and lows near 66°F (as reported by NOAA). Conversely, the cold season spans just over three months, from late November to early March, with daily high temperatures typically remaining below 42°F (as reported by NOAA). January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 16°F and highs near 31°F (as reported by NOAA).

Education in Davenport

The educational landscape in Davenport includes a mix of public and private institutions, with varying ratings and offerings. The Davenport Community School District has received a C+ overall rating, with particular attention drawn to the need for improved college readiness initiatives (as reported by Niche). While the district provides a supportive environment for graduation, there is room for enhancement in preparing students for higher education (as reported by Niche).

Davenport offers several highly-rated elementary schools within the Davenport Community School District, including Hayes Elementary School, Buffalo Elementary School, Eisenhower Elementary School, and Adams Elementary School, all receiving top ratings (as reported by Niche). For secondary education, Pleasant Valley High School, part of the Pleasant Valley Community School District, is noted for its strong performance with a rating of 4.02 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

When evaluating educational quality, Davenport presents a range of options. The Davenport Community School District holds a C+ rating, with reviews suggesting a need for enhanced college preparation programs (as reported by Niche). However, many students express positive experiences with the diversity and supportive atmosphere within the schools (as reported by Niche).

Within the broader region, the Pleasant Valley Community School District, located in Bettendorf, is highly regarded with an overall rating of 4.32 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Bettendorf Community School District also receives favorable reviews, earning a rating of 3.94 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). These districts often stand out for their academic achievements and student support services.

Demographics of Davenport

Davenport, Iowa, is a city with a population that has remained relatively stable in recent decades. As of a 2024 estimate, the population hovers around 100,000 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s industrial growth in the past led to population increases, but since the 1980s, growth has been flat (as reported by Wikipedia).

The demographic makeup of Davenport reflects a typical Midwestern urban center. While specific, up-to-date demographic breakdowns by age, race, and ethnicity were not detailed in the provided search results, the general population size indicates a community of moderate size within the state of Iowa. The city’s history of industrial development and subsequent economic shifts has influenced its population trends over time.