Let the numbers do the talking.
Davenport, IA vs Urbandale, IA
Davenport, IA vs Urbandale, IA: What the data shows
Davenport, IA is in Davenport, IA while Urbandale, IA is in Urbandale, IA — both in the same state. WYLT rates Davenport, IA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Urbandale, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Davenport, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Urbandale, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Davenport, IA has High flood risk and Urbandale, IA has Low flood risk.
Urbandale, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Davenport, IA scores 24/100 (car-dependent) versus Urbandale, IA's 29/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Urbandale, IA has the higher school rating — Davenport, IA rates 5.6/10 and Urbandale, IA rates 6/10.
| Category | Davenport, IA | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | N/A | $330K |
| Median Rent | $853 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $24K | $85K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | High | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 24/100 | 29/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 10/100 ✓ Better transit | 1/100 |
| Bike Score | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable | 1/100 |
| Commute | N/A | 20 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | High | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.6/10 | 6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Low-income rentersStudents or young professionals who don't need to ownFamilies looking for affordable school options | Families looking for quiet suburban lifeCommuters to Des MoinesRetirees who prefer a small-town feel |
Bottom line
Bottom line: Urbandale offers a more stable, family‑friendly environment with reasonable home prices, solid schools, and a manageable commute to Des Moines, making it the better option for most buyers. Davenport’s very low housing costs are offset by a weak economy, high flood risk, poor walkability, and a largely renter‑dominated area, so it’s only suitable for low‑income renters or those who don’t plan to own a home.
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