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City Report · IA

Dubuque

Pop. 59,174·23rd most expensive in Iowa·Dubuque rents are up 5.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,110/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.9%
Month-over-Month
+0.8%
vs US Median
-$855
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Dubuque · $1,110
More affordable than 95% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
55/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Dubuque's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,110/mo
Expected by trend
$1,139/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Dubuque's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$710
1 BR
$750
2 BR
$980
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR+
$1,650
Research median
$980/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$13,320/yr
At $1,110/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.9% YoY, +0.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

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.

Population
59,174
Median income
$65,845
Median age
38.1
Renters
34.2%
Age distribution
19.9%
26.2%
21.2%
20.7%
Under 1819.9%
18–3426.2%
35–5421.2%
55–6411.9%
65+20.7%
Gender
49.5%
50.5%
Male49.5%
Female50.5%
Race & ethnicity
85.9%
White85.9%
Black4.2%
Hispanic3%
Asian1.6%
Other5.3%
Education (25+)
31%
28.7%
34%
No HS diploma6.3%
HS diploma31%
Some college28.7%
Bachelor's+34%
Housing tenure
65.8%
34.2%
Owner65.8%
Renter34.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Dubuque, IA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$870 → $1,110
up 27.6%
Income
$58,691 → $65,845
up 12.2%
Population
59,379 → 59,174
down 0.3%
Renter share
35% → 34.2%
-0.8 pts
Bachelor's+
33.2% → 34%
+0.8 pts
Median age
37.6 → 38.1
+0.5 yrs

The median rent in Dubuque, IA stood at $870 in 2022 and currently runs about $1,110, reflecting a 27.6% 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.

Community

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View Dubuque rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Dubuque on your salary?

At $1,110/mo, how Dubuque rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Dubuque rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Dubuque. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Dubuque

About renting in Dubuque, IA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Dubuque is $1,110/mo as of July 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 5.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Dubuque an affordable city for renters?

Dubuque is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,110/mo, rent takes approximately 20% of the local median household income ($65,845/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Dubuque falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Dubuque?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $44,000/year (~$21/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,110/mo in Dubuque. The local median household income is $65,845/yr, meaning the typical Dubuque household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Dubuque?

Rent in Dubuque has increased 5.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Dubuque rent compare to other cities in Iowa?

Dubuque is one of the more affordable cities in Iowa for rent, ranking #23 out of 32 tracked cities at $1,110/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Dubuque?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Dubuque ($1,110/mo): Clinton ($792/mo), Davenport ($949/mo).

What percentage of Dubuque residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 34.2% of Dubuque households are renters, while 65.8% are owner-occupied. Dubuque leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Dubuque rent compare to the national average?

Dubuque's median rent of $1,110/mo is $855 (44%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Iowa, it ranks #23 out of 32 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
20%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,110/mo, rent takes ~20% of Dubuque's median household income ($65,845/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Dubuque 20%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.8%
Run the Dubuque affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Dubuque, IA

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