Real Estate Investing in Davenport, Iowa
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Davenport, IA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (70/100)
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(52/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
1 flag
- Elevated vacancy: 8.8% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Davenport, IA?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$177,872
Avg Monthly Rent
$987
ZIP Codes
6
Market Trends — Davenport, IA
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Davenport, IA. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Davenport, IA Updated 142 days ago
Davenport is experiencing significant development in infrastructure, housing, and new businesses, alongside some manufacturing plant closures statewide.
Opportunities
- Main Street Landing, a four-season park and plaza, is coming to the Davenport riverfront with construction updates expected in Spring 2025. — This project will create new recreational opportunities and enhance the downtown riverfront area for residents and visitors. City of Davenport
- A new 52-unit affordable senior housing community, Timber Ridge, broke ground in October 2025. — This development will provide much-needed affordable housing options for seniors aged 62 and older in Davenport. WVIK, Quad Cities NPR
- The 53rd Street corridor is seeing new business projects, including the Birchwood South Retail Center and a new Bubba's 33 restaurant, with a Class A office building set for completion in 2026. — These additions bring new retail and dining choices, as well as modern office space, contributing to economic growth. QCBJ
- Waga Energy commenced operations in November 2025 at the Scott Area Landfill, converting landfill gas into renewable natural gas. — This project offers environmental benefits by avoiding CO2 emissions and producing clean energy for transportation. Waga Energy
- Downtown Davenport welcomed new businesses like Envied Vintage Clothing Etc., Supreme Legacy Barber, Bootleg Hill Honey Meads, Soul Ties, and Sisters in Bloom in 2025. — These new establishments expand local retail and service options, contributing to a vibrant downtown economy.
Concerns
- A Meta subsidiary's $800 million data center project in Davenport, planned to break ground in Q1 2025, received a 60% property tax exemption over 20 years. — This tax exemption represents a significant reduction in potential local tax revenue over two decades. innovation Iowa
- At least five downtown Davenport businesses announced closures in the two months leading up to April 2025. — These closures reduce local business variety and may result in job losses. The Quad-City Times
- Iowa experienced sluggish job growth from December 2024 to August 2025, with construction and manufacturing sectors seeing downward revisions in employment. — Slow job growth and declines in key sectors can limit economic opportunities for residents. Common Sense Institute
Bottom line: Davenport is undergoing substantial development in public and private sectors, with new amenities and housing, but also faces some business closures and broader state-level job market sluggishness.
Local news & events in Davenport, IA Updated 142 days ago
Davenport has seen a mix of positive community developments and ongoing challenges related to public safety, environmental concerns, and city governance.
Opportunities
- Violent crime and property crime in Davenport have decreased significantly in recent months, with overall crime down by 74%. — This expands safety and security for residents, allowing greater freedom in daily activities. SpotCrime
- The City of Davenport secured a $6 million federal grant in January 2026 to improve safety at high-crash intersections. — This investment enhances public safety and reduces the risk of accidents for commuters and pedestrians. City of Davenport
- Food service equipment manufacturer Electro Freeze is relocating and expanding in Davenport, expected to more than double its production capacity. — This creates new job opportunities and contributes to the local economy. City of Davenport
- Davenport is hosting numerous community events, including festivals, concerts, and family-friendly activities throughout the year. — These events provide diverse recreational and social opportunities for residents of all ages. Downtown Davenport Partnership, Eventbrite, City of Davenpo…
- The Davenport Police Department's group violence intervention program has seen a 26% decrease in shots fired from 2023 to 2024. — This indicates a positive trend in reducing gun violence and increasing community safety. WQAD News 8
Concerns
- A judge denied the City of Davenport's motion to dismiss an open records lawsuit in January 2026, allowing a trial to proceed regarding a delayed release of a former city administrator's demand letter. — This indicates potential issues with government transparency and accountability, potentially leading to unconsented costs for taxpayers. WQAD News 8
- A December 2025 ruling stated that nearly $300,000 in settlement money to former city employees was unlawfully distributed due to violations of open meeting rules. — This represents a misuse of public funds and a lack of adherence to proper governance, imposing unconsented costs on residents. Local 4 News WHBF
- Davenport's water quality has an overall grade of "C" due to concerning levels of agricultural chemicals, nitrate contamination, and disinfection byproducts. — This poses potential health risks and restricts residents' choice to access clean, uncontaminated tap water without additional filtration costs. Davenport Iowa Water Quality Report
- Davenport-Moline ranks poorly for air quality, including high ozone days and particle pollution, according to a 2025 report. — This can negatively impact residents' health and quality of life, potentially restricting outdoor activities and imposing health-related costs. American Lung Association
- The partial collapse of an apartment building at 324 Main Street in May 2023 resulted in three deaths and forced evacuations, with an independent engineer's report finding underestimated issues and delayed repairs. — This tragic event highlights failures in building safety and oversight, leading to loss of life, displacement, and significant emotional and financial costs for those affected. WQAD News 8
Bottom line: Davenport is actively addressing crime and enhancing community offerings, but faces ongoing challenges with government transparency, water quality, and air pollution.
Schools in Davenport, IA Updated 142 days ago
Davenport Community School District is undertaking significant facility upgrades and program changes, including new construction and expanded cell phone restrictions.
Opportunities
- S&P Global Ratings assigned an 'A+' long-term rating to Davenport Community School District's $81.050 million series 2026 school infrastructure sales, services, and use tax revenue bonds on February 6, 2026. — This indicates a stable financial outlook for the district's infrastructure projects, supporting voluntary capital investment. S&P Global Ratings
- The Davenport School Board approved a new 'enhanced block' schedule for high schools starting in Fall 2025, offering more flexibility and choice for students with additional, smaller courses. — This expands educational choices and opportunities for high school students. WQAD
- Davenport West High School completed a $9.2 million athletic facility addition in December 2024, including a new competition gym, wrestling rooms, and strength training facilities. — This provides enhanced athletic opportunities and modern facilities for students. Davenport Community School District
- The district is undertaking a Master Facility Plan that includes new construction for Sudlow Middle School and Smart Middle School, and renovations at North High School starting in spring 2025. — These projects modernize learning environments and provide new facilities for students. Davenport Community School District
- The Davenport Community School District is exploring options to expand its preschool program, potentially adding nearly 200 seats and relocating some facilities by the 2027-2028 school year. — This expands access to early childhood education for more families. WQAD
Concerns
- The Davenport Community School District is expanding student cell phone use restrictions for the 2025-2026 school year, requiring phones to be secured in lock boxes during the school day. — This restricts students' personal device use during school hours. WQAD
- In September 2025, the Iowa School Performance Profiles report showed Davenport schools still lag behind in math, English, and science, and seven Davenport schools were listed among the 35 most under-performing in the s… — This indicates areas where student academic achievement needs significant improvement. WQAD
- In October 2021, 157 students left the Davenport Community School District for other districts after changes to Iowa's open enrollment laws. — This represents a decrease in enrollment for the district, potentially impacting resources. Dispatch Argus
- The Davenport School Board voted to purchase two properties, including the location of Iron + Grain Coffee House, on April 27, 2026, to build parking lots for district construction projects. — This involves the acquisition of existing businesses or properties, which may displace current establishments. Quad-City Times
Bottom line: The district is investing heavily in facility modernizations and program enhancements, while also addressing academic performance and student conduct.
Civic & policy in Davenport, IA Updated 142 days ago
Davenport and Scott County have seen significant government decisions, including tax changes, zoning amendments, and new regulations, impacting residents and development.
Opportunities
- Effective January 1, 2025, Iowa's personal income tax rate will be a flat 3.8% for all taxpayers, a reduction from previous rates. — This statewide tax cut simplifies the tax system and may result in financial savings for many Davenport residents. Ernst & Young / Iowa Public Radio
- The Davenport City Council approved financial protections for tenants when rental units do not meet health and safety standards. — This ordinance provides recourse and improved living conditions for renters in Davenport. City of Davenport
- The City of Davenport amended its zoning ordinance on March 13, 2024, to allow "Bed and Breakfast" and "Reception Facility" as special uses in the C-T Commercial Transitional Zoning District. — This change expands opportunities for certain types of businesses in specific commercial zones, potentially fostering local tourism and event hosting. City of Davenport
- Voters in the Davenport School District authorized a 10-year Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) of up to $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable property valuation on March 3, 2026. — This levy provides funding for school infrastructure without increasing the existing tax rate, supporting educational facilities. WQAD
- The Iowa Supreme Court ruled on November 7, 2025, that lawsuits over the 2023 Davenport apartment collapse can proceed, dismissing the city's appeal for qualified immunity. — This decision allows victims and their families to seek justice and potential compensation for damages. KCCI NewsChannel 8
Concerns
- Effective January 1, 2025, Iowa increased fees for certain vehicle registration and titling needs, raising them from $20 to $30 for initial registrations. — This statewide change imposes additional costs on Davenport residents for vehicle-related services. WQAD
- Starting July 1, 2025, gender identity will no longer be a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. — This statewide legislative change removes protections against discrimination for transgender individuals in Davenport. Local 5 News
- The Iowa Supreme Court ruled on April 17, 2026, that the state auditor cannot access the City of Davenport's private legal records during an audit. — This decision limits transparency regarding the city's handling of public funds and settlements. WQAD / Sioux County Radio
- The Scott County Board of Supervisors rejected a proposed zoning change that would have allowed a natural gas power plant on protected agricultural land in February 2026. — While protecting farmland, this decision may limit future energy production options for the county. WQAD / Scott County Democrats
Bottom line: Davenport and Scott County have experienced a mix of state-level tax reductions and local regulatory adjustments, alongside some controversial state policy shifts.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Best ZIP codes in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Davenport, IA. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Avg Home Value
$177,872
Avg Monthly Rent
$987
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (IA)
★★★★★
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Davenport
7 Colleges
12,428 Students
1,931 Off-Campus Renters
C+
4-Year Private · 2,703 students
C+
2-Year Public · 7,128 students
📍 ~1,931 students rent off-campus
C
4-Year Private · 2,219 students
C
2-Year For-Profit · 123 students
C
4-Year For-Profit · 73 students
C
Vocational For-Profit · 142 students
D
2-Year For-Profit · 40 students
Investor Insight: With 1,931 students living off-campus, Davenport has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.
Neighborhoods in Davenport
ZIP Codes in Davenport, IA
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Davenport, IA
Can I house hack in Davenport, IA?
Davenport, IA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $987/mo rent level.
Is Davenport, IA a friendly market for rental owners?
Davenport, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Is the tenant base reliable in Davenport, IA?
Tenant demand in Davenport, IA is solid. The local workforce $987/mo rents across most rental classes.
How much is rent in Davenport, IA?
Davenport, IA rentals go for roughly $987/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $178K acquisition costs.
What is the investability score for Davenport, IA?
Yes - Davenport, IA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $178K home prices against $987/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
Community Ratings
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