Dubuque, IA
Population 59,271 · Iowa
About Dubuque, IA
Dubuque is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 59,271 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,985 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dubuque features a median home value of $193,100, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Dubuque in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $943, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,629 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (16,728 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (9,090 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dubuque shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dubuque have an average one-way commute time of 14.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.6% of Dubuque residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dubuque Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Dubuque, IA
Compared to national averages, Dubuque has a median household income of $64,985 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $193,100, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $943 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Dubuque's income is 4% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 46% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque offers affordable housing with a median home value of $193,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $943/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,985) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Dubuque provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Dubuque has a population of 59,271 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Dubuque with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Dubuque
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Marion | 41,690 | $87,105 | $230,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Dubuque With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubuque
What is the population of Dubuque, IA?
The population of Dubuque, IA is 59,271 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Dubuque?
The median household income in Dubuque, IA is $64,985 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dubuque?
The median home value in Dubuque, IA is $193,100, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dubuque?
The median monthly rent in Dubuque, IA is $943, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dubuque?
The unemployment rate in Dubuque, IA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dubuque, IA a good place to live?
Dubuque offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 59,271 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dubuque, IA?
33.6% of residents in Dubuque aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Dubuque?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dubuque, IA: median home value is $193,100 (21% below national), median rent is $943/month, and median household income is $64,985. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dubuque?
The poverty rate in Dubuque, IA is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque's population is 1.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.