IowaPop. 39,647Small cities
Is Bettendorf a Good Place to Live? Bettendorf, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bettendorf ranks #166 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191) and fast population growth (+1.4%, #31 of 182), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Bettendorf by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bettendorf's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bettendorf?
Bettendorf's cost of living index is 89.1, 11% below the US level of 100 and #175 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,187/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,608, 42% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Bettendorf | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89.1#175 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $339,608#494 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,440/mo#291 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $306,500#547 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,187/mo#426 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.2%#34 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bettendorf housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bettendorf is in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Bettendorf safe?
Bettendorf recorded 94 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #117 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #31 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bettendorf Police Department. Property crime runs 710 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bettendorf | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 94#117 of 1,085 | 234 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 710#96 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bettendorf?
The median household in Bettendorf earns $100,495, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 33% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bettendorf | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $100,495#337 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.7%#223 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.4%#173 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bettendorf?
The median resident of Bettendorf is 40.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bettendorf | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 50.7%#251 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 75% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bettendorf's schools and health?
Bettendorf's 12 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $11,195 spent per pupil. 37.7% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Bettendorf | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,195#1040 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.7%#989 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.3%#90 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,354 students are enrolled in Bettendorf's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bettendorf?
The average commute in Bettendorf is 19.8 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.3% of workers take transit and 11% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bettendorf scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.7°F and winters 26.6°F, with 38.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bettendorf | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.8 min#327 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 82.7% | 76.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 11% | 9.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.8 | 14.8 | 1.7 |
| Feb | 36.6 | 18.8 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 49.9 | 29.6 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 63 | 39.9 | 3.8 |
| May | 73.9 | 51.1 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 83.1 | 61 | 5 |
| Jul | 86.1 | 64.9 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 84.1 | 62.7 | 4 |
| Sep | 77.9 | 54.2 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 64.8 | 42.6 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 49.8 | 30.9 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 37 | 20.8 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moline Quad City International Airport.
| Measure | Bettendorf | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 51.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 73.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 26.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 38.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moline Quad City International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bettendorf?
Scott County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Scott County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Bettendorf | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#420 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Scott County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Scott County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0093% | 83% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0011% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 59% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0022% | 54% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 45% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.004% | 33% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bettendorf compare with similar-size cities?
Bettendorf is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #34 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 39,647.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #166 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 | 19.8 min |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #541 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 | 24 min |
| Dover, DEPop. 39,837 | #1203 | 44.9 | $60,199 | $1,344/mo | 847 | 22.9 min |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #1307 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 | 19.3 min |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #1003 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 | 15.6 min |
| Kailua (Honolulu County), HIPop. 39,640 | #115 | 68.0 | $148,582 | $3,093/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #95 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 | 20.8 min |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #553 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 | 23.9 min |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #1122 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 | 18.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bettendorf compare with the rest of Iowa?
Bettendorf ranks #6 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 65.5 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 33% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 42% above the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Bettendorf's score calculated?
Bettendorf scores 65.5 out of 100, #166 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bettendorf. Similar-size median 52.9.
66.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bettendorf's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
95.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bettendorf. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bettendorf's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
61.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bettendorf's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
76.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bettendorf. Similar-size median 46.7.
71.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bettendorf. Similar-size median 44.2.
56.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bettendorf. Similar-size median 47.3.
45.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bettendorf's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
59.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bettendorf's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bettendorf has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bettendorf
Is Bettendorf, IA a good place to live?
Bettendorf ranks #166 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191) and fast population growth (+1.4%, #31 of 182), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Bettendorf?
Bettendorf's cost of living index is 89.1, 11% below the US level of 100 and #175 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,187/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,608, 42% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Bettendorf?
Bettendorf recorded 94 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% below the US rate of 328 and 60% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #117 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #31 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bettendorf Police Department. Property crime runs 710 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bettendorf?
The median household in Bettendorf earns $100,495, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 33% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bettendorf?
Median rent in Bettendorf is $1,187/mo (Census), #426 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,440/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bettendorf?
The typical home value in Bettendorf is $339,608, up 6.1% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $306,500.
How are the public schools in Bettendorf?
Bettendorf's 12 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $11,195 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bettendorf?
The average commute is 19.8 minutes, #327 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bettendorf?
Bettendorf averages 51.2°F over the year, 73.7°F in summer and 26.6°F in winter, with 38.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bettendorf walkable?
Bettendorf scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bettendorf at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Scott County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bettendorf?
Scott County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bettendorf?
Bettendorf has 39,647 residents. The median resident of Bettendorf is 40.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bettendorf compare with the rest of Iowa?
Bettendorf ranks #6 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 65.5 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 33% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 60% below the statewide rate. Homes are 42% above the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Bettendorf?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bettendorf's population of 39,647 are Norwich, CT (#541 overall), Dover, DE (#1203 overall), Pine Bluff, AR (#1307 overall), Hutchinson, KS (#1003 overall), and Kailua (Honolulu County), HI (#115 overall). Bettendorf is #166.