Cost of Living in Dubuque County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dubuque County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dubuque County ranks #2,052 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dubuque County, Iowa
Dubuque County mirrors national rent burden
At 14.9%, Dubuque County's rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above the national average of 14%, indicating relatively typical U.S. housing affordability pressure. The median household income of $75,919 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, while monthly rent of $944 reflects the county's position as Iowa's largest riverside metro.
Above-average costs, average incomes
Dubuque County's median rent of $944 exceeds Iowa's state average of $812 by 16%, while its 14.9% rent-to-income ratio slightly surpasses the state average of 14.1%. The county's housing market is moderately expensive by state standards, driven by its regional economic hub status.
Dubuque pricier but income-balanced
Dubuque's $944 rent sits between Dickinson ($930) and Dallas ($1,239), while its median income of $75,919 trails Dallas ($102,349) but exceeds most rural peers like Decatur ($57,146) and Des Moines ($60,662). The county balances higher housing costs with adequate earning potential.
Balanced housing across tenure types
Renters spend 14.9% of their $75,919 income on $944 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 18.0% to $1,141 owner costs for $226,100 properties. Dubuque presents reasonably balanced affordability across both rental and ownership markets, though homeownership requires greater income commitment.
Dubuque balances cost and opportunity
Relocating to Dubuque County offers Iowa's second-largest metro area with moderate affordability: rents run 16% above state average but incomes are sufficient to support both renting and homeownership. For those seeking small-city amenities without extreme housing strain, Dubuque rewards the move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dubuque County
Affordability Verdict
Dubuque County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $944/month — about 14.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dubuque County is $944/month, while owner costs run $1,141/month. Renting saves approximately $197/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,900/year. With a median household income of $75,919, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Dubuque County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dubuque County sits 6% more expensive than Mills County ($888/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dubuque County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,771
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Dubuque County may be a stretch
Median home value is $226,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,805 vs. your max of $1,771.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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