Dubuque, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 59,811 residents. The majority of Dubuque residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Dubuque offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Dubuque is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Dubuque and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
Dubuque has a livability score of 87 out of 100 and is ranked #8 in Iowa and #227 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Dubuque ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Dubuque also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Dubuque ranks well for cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Dubuque, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (D).
Living in Dubuque offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Dubuque provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Dubuque: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Fenelon Place Elevator Co., and Diamond Jo Casino.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Dubuque market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Dubuque is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Dubuque come in at $269,756, which is 12.4% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dubuque, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Dubuque | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.2% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.3% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.6% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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