What to know when moving to Bettendorf, IA
TL;DR: Bettendorf at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 51.7% of residents hold at least a bachelor's degree and 24.3% of the population are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $105,763, providing a robust financial base.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.7% of residents using public transit, this is a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,150 in monthly rent for a typical rental.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Bettendorf is characterized by its highly educated population, with over half of its residents holding a bachelor's degree. The median gross rent is $1,150, which indicates a moderate housing market relative to income levels. The area has a low poverty rate of 6.2%, suggesting a stable community financially. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby parks and recreational areas, such as Vander Veer Botanical Park and West Lake Park.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transport, as only 0.7% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,150, while the median home value stands at $300,800, offering a range of housing options.
- 51.7% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a community with a strong educational background.
- The poverty rate is 6.2%, pointing to a generally stable economic environment.
- Only 24.3% of the population are renters, which suggests a predominantly owner-occupied housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa's crime rates indicate a relatively safe environment, with significant declines in various categories over recent years.
- Violent crime rate: 236.6 per 100k, compared to the national average of 325.3 per 100k, showing a 20% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime rate: 1201.8 per 100k, lower than the national average of 1546.9 per 100k, with a 17.3% decline since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 21.2% since 2022, with an annual rate of 1.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
Bettendorf residents have access to a range of educational institutions in the nearby area.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 10.
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 10.
- Nearby options include Palmer College of Chiropractic and Augustana College in Rock Island, IL.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Scott County experiences an average annual precipitation of 35.7 inches, with 89 rainy days. Residents can expect a relatively mild winter with an annual snowfall of 2.8 inches across about 15 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Vander Veer Botanical Park - 4.7 stars (2726 reviews)
- Putnam Museum and Science Center - 4.6 stars (1504 reviews)
- West Lake Park - 4.5 stars (1181 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The local economy in Scott County reflects a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.0% as of December 2025.
- Total employed: 87,279 individuals.
- Labor force: 90,950, indicating a strong workforce.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.