Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dubuque, IA
Thinking of moving to Dubuque, IA? With a population of nearly 60,000, Dubuque offers affordable living—median home prices hover around $210,000 and rents average $950. Commute times are short at just over 17 minutes, and the cost of living is well below the national average. The city features safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and a four-season climate with 55% sunny days. Explore the community below to see why Dubuque’s riverfront charm and local amenities make it a great place to call home.
Demographics - Dubuque, IA
Demographics - Dubuque, IA
Dubuque is a mid-sized city of nearly 60,000 people, with a median age of 39.2 and a predominantly White population. The gender balance is nearly even, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of diversity.
Population:
59,667
Density:
1,850 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.9%
Black:
4.8%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dubuque, IA?
Living in Dubuque is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 88.7—well below the national average. Median home values are around $210,000, and average rents are $950, making it an attractive choice for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,025
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
78.1
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
91.5
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
89.3
Crime
Is Dubuque, IA a safe place to live?
Dubuque enjoys relatively low crime rates, with just 217 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and property crime chances at 1 in 60. The city offers a sense of safety that appeals to families and individuals seeking a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
217
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,672
Crime Index:
1,889
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 460
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Dubuque, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. Dubuque receives about 36.8 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 55% of the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Dubuque households have a median income of $63,800 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. Commute times average just 17 minutes, and about 94% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, supporting a strong sense of community and stability.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$63,800
Family Income:
$81,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,900
Income Male:
$44,700
Income Female:
$36,200
Poverty Rate:
12.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
29.1%
Education
How are the schools in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque offers a range of educational options, including quality public and private schools as well as local colleges like the University of Dubuque and Loras College. Public schools feature favorable student-teacher ratios, and higher education opportunities are close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Hempstead High School
Street:
3715 Pennsylvania Ave
Phone:
563-552-5200
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4
Name:
Eisenhower Elementary School
Street:
3170 Spring Valley Rd
Phone:
563-552-3500
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Private Schools
Name:
Wahlert Catholic High School
Street:
2005 Kane St
Phone:
563-583-9771
Students:
590
Colleges
Name:
University of Dubuque
City:
Dubuque
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Loras College
City:
Dubuque
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Dubuque is well-supported by major medical centers like MercyOne and UnityPoint Finley Hospital, with 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 94% of locals have health insurance, ensuring broad access to medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center
Address:
250 Mercy Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone:
(563) 589-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital
Address:
350 N Grandview Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone:
(563) 582-1881
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dubuque, IA?
The housing market in Dubuque is stable and accessible, with median home prices at $210,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 65.5%. Home values have appreciated by 4.3% in the past year, reflecting a healthy real estate climate.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle motor vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, accessible online or in Des Moines. The DMV provides support for licensing, registration, and more, making it easy to manage transportation needs.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 NW 6th Dr, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.