Iowa / Dubuque County

Moving to Dubuque, IA

Thinking of making a move to Dubuque, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dubuque, IA

Considering a move to Dubuque, IA? This welcoming community of 59,400 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $215,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Dubuque's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Dubuque, IA

Dubuque has a population of 59,400 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 3% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
59,400
Density
1,930 per sq mi
Median Age
38.9
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
88.1%
Black
2.8%
Asian
2.2%
Others
6.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Dubuque, IA?

The cost of living in Dubuque is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6. Median home values are around $215,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$215,000
Gross Rent
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
88.6
Grocery
92.4
Housing
74.8
Utilities
101.3
Transportation
93.1
Health Care
97.2
Miscellaneous
94.5

Crime

Is Dubuque, IA a safe place to live?

Dubuque is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 44. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,280
Crime Index
2,590
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 44

Weather

What is the weather like in Dubuque, IA year-round?

Dubuque experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
35.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $64,800 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$64,800
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$30,900
Income Male
$45,500
Income Female
$35,800
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
11.4%
Rent
$980
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
3.6%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.5%
Bachelors or More
28.7%

Education

How are the schools in Dubuque, IA?

Dubuque offers quality education options, with public schools like Dubuque Senior High School and Washington Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Dubuque, Loras College, and Clarke University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Dubuque Senior High School
Street
1800 Clarke Dr
Phone
563-552-5800
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8
Name
Washington Middle School
Street
51 N Grandview Ave
Phone
563-552-4700
Students
730
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6

Private Schools

Name
Wahlert Catholic High School
Street
1801 Boulder St
Phone
563-583-9771
Students
550
Name
Bishop O'Connor Catholic School
Street
700 Bluff St
Phone
563-582-9608
Students
280

Colleges

Name
University of Dubuque
City
Dubuque
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,300
Name
Loras College
City
Dubuque
State
IA
Distance
1 mile
Students
1,600
Name
Clarke University
City
Dubuque
State
IA
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,000

Healthcare

Dubuque residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 93.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
93.4%
Health Care Index
79.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Dubuque, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $215,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Dubuque offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
69.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Dubuque handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
1-515-237-3200

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.

FAQs About Moving to Dubuque, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Dubuque, review the core fields on this page: population 59,400, median home value $215,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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