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Is Dubuque a Good Place to Live? Dubuque, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dubuque ranks #470 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.6 min, #1 of 524) and low living costs (87.3, #21 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Dubuque by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dubuque'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 Dubuque?
Dubuque's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $948/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,358, 5% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Dubuque | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.3#114 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $250,358#252 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,076/mo#45 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $204,800#242 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $948/mo#151 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.3%#184 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Dubuque 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. Dubuque is in the Dubuque, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Dubuque safe?
Dubuque recorded 405 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 73% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #726 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #322 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dubuque Police Department. Property crime runs 1,528 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dubuque | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 405#726 of 1,085 | 234 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,528#491 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Dubuque?
The median household in Dubuque earns $65,845, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dubuque | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $65,845#909 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.7%#712 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Dubuque?
The median resident of Dubuque is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dubuque | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 34%#646 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 65.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Dubuque's schools and health?
Dubuque's 16 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $13,808 spent per pupil. 34.5% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Dubuque | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,808#729 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.5%#734 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.1%#264 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,419 students are enrolled in Dubuque's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dubuque?
The average commute in Dubuque is 14.6 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 1.3% of workers take transit and 11.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dubuque scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70°F and winters 22.1°F, with 38.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dubuque | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 14.6 min#53 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.6% | 76.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.9% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.7% | 9.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 26.5 | 11.1 | 1.3 |
| Feb | 30.9 | 15 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 44.1 | 26.3 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 57.7 | 37.2 | 4.1 |
| May | 69.2 | 48.5 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 58.6 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 81.5 | 62 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 79.6 | 60 | 4 |
| Sep | 72.9 | 51.8 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 59.9 | 39.9 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 44.8 | 28.1 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 31.8 | 17.2 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dubuque Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Dubuque | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 47.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 22.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 38.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dubuque Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dubuque?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Dubuque's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dubuque County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Dubuque | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#503 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dubuque County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dubuque County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.01% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 83% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0037% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 53% 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 Dubuque compare with similar-size cities?
Dubuque is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #221 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,174.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #164 | 65.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | 64 | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #69 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 min |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #829 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 | 28.4 min |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #1055 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 | 19.1 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #221 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 min |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #222 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 | 14.8 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 Dubuque compare with the rest of Iowa?
Dubuque ranks #11 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 13% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 73% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 Dubuque's score calculated?
Dubuque scores 58.6 out of 100, #470 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Dubuque. Similar-size median 55.5.
51.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Dubuque's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
70.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dubuque. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dubuque's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dubuque's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
85.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dubuque. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dubuque. Similar-size median 42.4.
48.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dubuque. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dubuque's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
63.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dubuque's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live?
Dubuque ranks #470 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.6 min, #1 of 524) and low living costs (87.3, #21 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Dubuque?
Dubuque's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $948/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,358, 5% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Dubuque?
Dubuque recorded 405 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 73% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #726 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #322 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dubuque Police Department. Property crime runs 1,528 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dubuque?
The median household in Dubuque earns $65,845, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dubuque?
Median rent in Dubuque is $948/mo (Census), #151 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,076/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dubuque?
The typical home value in Dubuque is $250,358, up 4.5% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $204,800.
How are the public schools in Dubuque?
Dubuque's 16 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $13,808 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dubuque?
The average commute is 14.6 minutes, #53 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dubuque?
Dubuque averages 47.2°F over the year, 70°F in summer and 22.1°F in winter, with 38.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dubuque walkable?
Dubuque scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 Dubuque at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dubuque County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
Who lives in Dubuque?
Dubuque has 59,174 residents. The median resident of Dubuque is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dubuque compare with the rest of Iowa?
Dubuque ranks #11 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 13% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 73% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Dubuque?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dubuque's population of 59,174 are Herriman, UT (#164 overall), Youngstown, OH (#1277 overall), Margate, FL (#1036 overall), Des Plaines, IL (#69 overall), and Monterey Park, CA (#829 overall). Dubuque is #470.