Dubuque 87 Exceptional
Dubuque Livability #8 ranked city in Iowa#227 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Dubuque

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.

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What's it like Living in Dubuque?

Dubuque is a medium-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 58,052 people. According to the most recent Census, 90% of Dubuque residents are White, 4% Black and 1% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Dubuque will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 15 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Dubuque can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Dubuque and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

The livability score in Dubuque is 86 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. This is a fantastic score, as Dubuque ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Dubuque ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Dubuque ranks well for cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (A-)

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.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Dubuque can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

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 $147,900, which is 11.4% 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 2.7, which is 12.5% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dubuque

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Compare Dubuque, IA Livability

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      Dubuque transportation information

      Statistic Dubuque Iowa National
      Average one way commute15min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.2%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.6%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home6.6%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Dubuque, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).