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Dubuque, Iowa

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

67
Overall Score

Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, nestled gracefully along the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River in the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Founded as a lead-mining settlement, the city has evolved into a vibrant regional hub known for its historic architecture, thriving arts scene, and picturesque views of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. People are drawn to Dubuque for its unique blend of Midwestern charm, economic resilience, and a high quality of life characterized by tight-knit community values and outdoor recreation.

About Iowa

Iowa, located in the Midwest, is characterized by its expansive farmlands and a generally relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. The state's economy is diverse, with major industries including advanced manufacturing, biosciences, finance and insurance, and its foundational agricultural sector, which leads in corn, soybean, ethanol, and pork production. Living in Iowa is notably affordable, with the cost of living, particularly housing, being significantly lower than the national average. The climate is humid continental, featuring hot, humid summers and cold winters, with seasonal precipitation and susceptibility to various natural disasters like snowstorms, floods, and tornadoes.

59,384
Population
$58K
Avg Salary
89
Cost Index
66.9
Quality Score
How this 67/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 78 / 100 78.0 30% 23.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 89.0 57.5 25% 14.4
Economy & jobs Median household income: $65,400 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% 77.7 20% 15.5
Growth Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.5% 43.8 15% 6.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 66.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 16 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Dubuque

Featured local businesses in Dubuque.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
76
Affordability
82
Growth
68

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dubuque remains notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Housing costs, in particular, offer significant relief compared to larger metropolitan areas across the United States, allowing residents to secure more spacious properties for their investment. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also track favorably against national benchmarks, contributing to overall household financial stability.

Average Rent
$950/mo
Groceries
$380/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$175/mo
Healthcare
$220/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$380.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$135.00

Salary Insights

Dubuque boasts a remarkably diverse and resilient economy anchored by advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and financial services. Major employers such as John Deere, Medical Associates Clinic, and MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center provide a stable foundation of professional opportunities for the region. The city has also cultivated a supportive environment for small businesses and entrepreneurship, fostering steady job growth and attracting a skilled workforce from the surrounding tri-state region.

The average salary in Dubuque is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Education +0.80% Healthcare & Social Assistance +2.20% Advanced Manufacturing +1.20% Financial Services +1.90% Retail & Hospitality +1.50%

Climate

🌡️
50°F
Avg Temp
☀️
81°F
Summer High
❄️
14°F
Winter Low
🌧️
32.70"
Annual Rain
💧
68.00%
Humidity
🌤️
261
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Dubuque is straightforward, with manageable traffic patterns and efficient vehicular infrastructure connecting major commercial corridors. The Interstate Power Company provides public transit through The Jule, offering fixed-route bus services across the municipality. While a car remains the primary mode of transportation for most errands and commutes, downtown Dubuque and several surrounding neighborhoods offer walkable pockets and growing bike lane networks.

18 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
48.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home prices in Dubuque remain significantly more affordable than the national average per the National Association of Realtors.
Exceptional outdoor recreation access, highlighted by the 1,439-acre Mines of Spain State Recreation Area.
Robust regional healthcare sector anchored by MercyOne Dubuque and UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital.
Consistently lower violent and property crime rates compared to national benchmarks per FBI crime data.
Vibrant historic downtown and Port of Dubuque district offering diverse dining, arts, and cultural attractions.
Drawbacks
Cold and snowy winter conditions can create challenging commuting and outdoor circumstances.
Limited commercial flight options directly out of Dubuque Regional Airport require travel to larger hubs like Chicago or Cedar Rapids.
Public transit options outside of core fixed bus routes are somewhat limited for suburban commuters.
Wages in certain sectors may lag behind fast-growing coastal metropolitan markets.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity compared to major U.S. metropolitan areas.

Questions about Dubuque

What people ask about living in and moving to Dubuque, Iowa.

What is the average rent like in Dubuque? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Dubuque is about $950 per month. This figure reflects typical one- or two-bedroom units in the city. Compared to the national average, it is lower, which can help stretch your budget. Rent can vary by location, building amenities, and whether utilities are included. To find current listings, check local real‑estate portals or contact residential property managers in the area.

How does the cost of living in Dubuque compare to other cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

Dubuque’s cost of living index is 89, meaning it is about 11% cheaper than the national average. Grocery prices, utilities, and transportation costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas. This can translate into savings on everyday expenses. However, wages also tend to be lower, so it’s important to balance income with local costs. For a detailed breakdown, consult the city’s economic development offi...

What are the average salaries in Dubuque? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average annual salary in Dubuque is about $58,000. This figure represents a broad range of occupations, from entry‑level to mid‑career roles. While it may be lower than in major urban centers, the lower cost of living can offset the difference. When evaluating a job offer, consider benefits, growth opportunities, and the specific industry’s local demand. Local job boards and professional networks can provide more...

Is Dubuque a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Dubuque has a safety score of 78 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to many U.S. cities. Crime rates are generally lower than national averages, especially for property crimes. However, like any city, certain neighborhoods may experience higher incidents. It’s advisable to review neighborhood statistics from local law‑enforcement summaries or community forums before deciding where to settle...

What is the quality of schools in Dubuque? Schools & Education 1 answer

The city’s public schools are overseen by the local school district, which offers a range of elementary, middle, and high schools. Performance varies by school, but many receive solid academic ratings. Parents can review school performance reports, graduation rates, and extracurricular offerings on the district’s website. Additionally, community feedback on local forums can provide insight into school culture and par...

How reliable is public transport in Dubuque? Getting Around 1 answer

Dubuque has a city transit authority that operates bus routes covering most of the urban area. Buses run on regular schedules, with increased frequency during peak commute hours. For detailed route maps, schedules, and fare information, visit the transit authority’s website or download their mobile app. If you prefer driving, the city’s road network is well maintained, and parking is generally available in commercial...

What healthcare options are available in Dubuque? Healthcare 1 answer

The city hosts several hospitals, urgent‑care centers, and specialty clinics that serve both residents and surrounding communities. These facilities offer a range of services from primary care to advanced medical procedures. To find the nearest provider, use the state health department’s directory or search online for local medical centers. Insurance coverage details can be confirmed directly with each provider.

What can I do for fun in Dubuque? Things to Do 1 answer

Dubuque offers a mix of cultural, outdoor, and historical activities. Visitors can explore museums, art galleries, and historic downtown areas, as well as parks along the river. Seasonal festivals and farmers markets provide community engagement opportunities. For a full list of events and venues, check the city’s tourism office or local event calendars online.

What is the overall vibe of Dubuque? General 1 answer

Dubuque blends Midwestern charm with a growing cultural scene. The community is known for friendly neighbors, local festivals, and a strong sense of place. Residents enjoy access to outdoor recreation along the river and nearby parks, while the city’s downtown offers dining, shopping, and arts venues. The local economy is stable, with opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Overall, Dubuque offers...

What should I know about moving into Dubuque? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Dubuque, consider the timing of your relocation to avoid peak rental demand. Research local moving companies and compare rates, as many offer services tailored to the city’s layout. Register with the city’s resident portal for utilities, garbage collection, and voter registration. Familiarize yourself with local ordinances, such as pet licensing and parking regulations, to ensure a smooth transition.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Dubuque? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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