Why Are People Fleeing Davenport, Iowa? A Local's Honest Breakdown

Why Are People Fleeing Davenport, Iowa? A Local's Honest Breakdown

Davenport, Iowa, has a lot going for it. It's home to the River Bandits, the famous Bix 7 road race, and was once ranked the number one city for Millennials. It even landed 43rd on U.S. News & World Report's list of best places to live. So why are some people packing up and leaving?

As someone who lives here and helps people relocate to and from Davenport every day, I’m diving into the most common reasons people say goodbye to the city—and whether those reasons should matter to you.

High Property Taxes (Yes, Even Compared to Illinois)

Let’s start with one of the biggest surprises for many newcomers: property taxes. People often flee Illinois because of its notoriously high property taxes, only to realize Iowa’s aren’t exactly cheap either.

Davenport’s property taxes are some of the highest in the state. I've had clients move here from places like Las Vegas and be completely blindsided by how much property taxes can impact their home-buying budget. While moving from Illinois may feel like a win, it’s important to understand that Iowa’s rates are still higher than many other parts of the country.

Unstable Job Market

Manufacturing has long been a key part of Davenport’s economy—but that can be a double-edged sword. As manufacturing jobs continue to be outsourced, local employment can take a hit.

We’ve seen major employers like John Deere announce layoffs, and while Davenport is trying to diversify, it’s still a very manufacturing-heavy job market. When job opportunities decline, people start looking elsewhere.

School District Ratings

If you have kids, this one’s probably high on your list. The Davenport School District has received a C+ rating on Niche.com and doesn’t even rank in the top 15 for the Quad Cities. That’s a big reason why some families—both local and new—end up moving out of Davenport in search of better schools.

Do your research here. Education is one of the most common deal-breakers for families deciding where to live in the area.

Flooding and the Lack of a Flood Wall

Davenport is the only major city in the Quad Cities without a permanent flood wall. Every spring, temporary barriers go up along River Drive—and if you’ve ever tried to drive around them, you know the hassle.

The Mississippi and several feeder creeks make localized flooding an ongoing issue. Most homes aren’t in floodplains, but if you’re buying in Davenport, it's worth checking. Flood insurance isn’t cheap, and flood damage can be devastating.

The Rise and Fall of Remote Work

During the pandemic, Davenport saw a boom in new residents who could work remotely and were drawn by the low cost of living. But as remote job policies change and companies call people back to the office, some of those new residents are moving away just as quickly as they arrived.

It’s a newer trend—but a real one.

Harsh Winter Weather

It’s no secret that Iowa winters are no joke. Cold, dark, snowy—if you’re not used to it, winter can feel like a never-ending challenge. It’s one of the most commonly cited reasons people leave the Midwest entirely, and Davenport is no exception.

For perspective: My wife’s mom is from the Philippines, and she already feels like it’s winter when it’s 72 during the day and 40s at night. Full-on Midwest winter? Not her vibe.

Never-Ending Construction

This one might sound petty, but it comes up all the time. Road construction in Davenport seems to be never-ending. Residents complain that progress is slow and projects drag on for years. Sure, that’s common in a lot of cities—but when you're already frustrated, it adds fuel to the fire.

So Should You Avoid Davenport?

Absolutely not. While these issues are real, they don’t tell the whole story. I wouldn’t live here—and help people move here—if I didn’t believe in this city. There are great neighborhoods, tons of outdoor parks, festivals, local businesses, and communities that care.

But if you’re thinking about moving to Davenport, it’s important to go in with eyes wide open.

If you want someone who can help you navigate this stuff—the good, the bad, and the snowy—I’m your guy. Give me a call, shoot me a text, or send me an email. I’ll help you figure out the best place to live in the Quad Cities based on what matters most to you.