Rents are 3% below what Dubuque's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,073 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in Dubuque is at its highest level since Zillow's records here began in December 2021.
Rent in Dubuque changed +4.1% over the year to September 2026. Across the 26 Iowa cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +4.5%.
Rent has risen 4 months in a row, and rose in 8 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($65,845) is $1,646 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 3-bedroom ($1,290); a 4-bedroom is $1,650.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Dubuque. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
Dubuque, IA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 34% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Dubuque, IA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Dubuque, IA stood at $826 in 2022 and currently runs about $1,073, reflecting a 29.9% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Dubuque, IA now reports about $65,845, up from $58,691 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Dubuque, IA reflects that arc in its own way.
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Can you afford rent in Dubuque on your salary?
At $1,073/mo, how Dubuque rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Dubuque rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Dubuque. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Dubuque
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Dubuque is $1,073/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $710/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $980/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $750/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,290/mo.
At 20% of local median household income ($65,845/yr), Dubuque ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.1% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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Is rent going up or down in Dubuque?
How does Dubuque rent compare to other cities in Iowa?
At $1,073/mo, rent takes ~20% of Dubuque's median household income ($65,845/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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