Moving to Bettendorf, Iowa: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Bettendorf, Iowa? This affluent Quad Cities anchor offers riverfront beauty, excellent schools, and family atmosphere. With approximately 37,000 residents in 2025 (Quad Cities metro 382,000+), Bettendorf combines Mississippi River location with quality amenities and the Iowa Quad Cities’ premier residential destination.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Bettendorf:

Bettendorf’s 2025 population is approximately 37,000 residents in this Scott County city along the Mississippi River as part of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Bettendorf IA; Moline, Rock Island IL). The median age is around 41 years, with affluent families, professionals, and retirees. The population is approximately 88% White, 5% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 2% Black or African American. Bettendorf features upscale neighborhoods, riverfront parks and trails, I wireless Center (arena shared with Moline), and serves as the Quad Cities’ most affluent residential community. The city attracts upper-middle class families, professionals seeking quality schools, and those wanting Quad Cities living with Iowa’s lower taxes and better schools. Bettendorf appeals to successful families prioritizing education, safety, and riverfront amenities. The community emphasizes top schools, family values, riverfront preservation, and maintaining quality of life.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Bettendorf:

Bettendorf offers moderate to upper-moderate costs for the Quad Cities. Median home values range from $240,000 to $380,000 in 2025, higher than Illinois Quad Cities but reflecting better schools and Iowa’s favorable taxes. The median household income is approximately $75,000. Rental properties average $1,100 to $1,700 monthly. Iowa has no state income tax on retirement income; individual income tax is progressive 0.33%-8.53% (lower than Illinois’ flat 4.95%). Property taxes are moderate. Overall cost of living is competitive for the quality schools and amenities, making Bettendorf highly attractive for families seeking the Quad Cities’ best schools and Iowa’s tax advantages. The city provides value with Mississippi River access and top schools. Housing costs reflect the area’s status as the metro’s premier residential address.

Economy and Job Market:

Bettendorf residents typically work throughout the Quad Cities metro. Major local employers include Rhythm City Casino, retail centers, and businesses along commercial corridors. Many work at John Deere facilities (Moline), throughout the Quad Cities, or in professional positions across the metro. The broader Quad Cities economy offers opportunities. Typical commute times within the metro are reasonable (15-25 minutes). The city serves as a premier residential community for Quad Cities professionals prioritizing schools and Iowa residency benefits. Many residents work in manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and corporate sectors.

Education:

Bettendorf Community School District serves city students with highly-rated schools including Bettendorf High School consistently ranking among Iowa’s best. The exceptional schools attract families specifically for educational quality, creating the primary reason families choose Bettendorf over other Quad Cities communities. The outstanding school system combined with Iowa residency creates education-focused community values and competitive academic environment.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Bettendorf offers spectacular Mississippi River location with riverfront parks, trails, and LeClaire Park providing scenic beauty and recreation. The city maintains extensive trail systems connecting neighborhoods to the riverfront. Residents enjoy Family Museum (children’s museum), Splash Landing Aquatic Center, and proximity to I wireless Center arena. The lifestyle emphasizes family activities, riverfront recreation, top schools, and quality of life. The four-season climate enables year-round activities with the river creating summer focus. The community values educational excellence, family atmosphere, riverfront access, safety, and maintaining premier Quad Cities status. Living in Bettendorf means choosing Iowa’s better schools and lower taxes over Illinois, prioritizing family atmosphere and education, and embracing the Quad Cities’ most affluent community while enjoying Mississippi River beauty, exceptional schools, and Iowa’s tax advantages creating the metro’s premier family destination where riverfront meets educational excellence.

Healthcare and Services:

Bettendorf residents access comprehensive healthcare through Genesis Medical Center (Davenport), UnityPoint Health facilities, and medical offices throughout the Quad Cities. The regional healthcare infrastructure provides quality medical care easily accessible throughout the metro.

Transportation:

Bettendorf is accessed via Interstate 74, Interstate 80, Middle Road, and various corridors along the Mississippi. Quad City International Airport is nearby. MetroLINK operates bus service throughout the Quad Cities. Most residents use personal vehicles. The I-74 bridge connects to Illinois Quad Cities. Typical commute times within the Quad Cities are 15-30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Moving to Bettendorf in 2025 offers premier Quad Cities living with Mississippi River beauty, top Iowa schools, and family atmosphere. The city’s combination of educational excellence, riverfront amenities, and Iowa tax advantages makes it ideal for families, professionals, and those seeking the Quad Cities’ finest destination where Iowa schools meet Mississippi River beauty and family values define the metro’s most desirable residential address.