CountyScore

Dubuque County

Iowa · IA

#79 in Iowa
66.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Dubuque County, Iowa

Dubuque Exceeds National Median Clearly

Dubuque County's composite score of 66.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 67th percentile nationally. This reflects a county with above-average livability and urban-rural balance.

Slightly Below Iowa's State Average

At 66.6, Dubuque County sits below Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it in the middle tier of Iowa counties. While respectable, it trails the state's top performers by a modest margin.

Tax Efficiency and Health Lead

Dubuque County offers a tax score of 66.8 with an effective rate of 1.260% and a health score of 77.9, reflecting strong healthcare access and fiscal responsibility. The cost score of 74.0 also ensures reasonable housing affordability at a median of $226,100.

Risk Exposure Stands Out as Weak

Dubuque County's risk score of 36.4 is the lowest among these eight counties, suggesting elevated vulnerability to economic shocks and environmental pressures. The income score of 32.9 also lags peer counties, limiting wealth-building potential.

For Stability-Focused Families in Urban Areas

Dubuque County suits families and professionals attracted to urban amenities, good health infrastructure, and tax efficiency, though they should expect moderate economic volatility. It's ideal for those prioritizing community assets and quality living over maximum financial resilience.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax66.8Cost74SafetyComing SoonHealth77.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.9Risk36.4WaterComing Soon
🏛66.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dubuque County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Broomfield County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $121,025
Pueblo County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $62,250
Coffee County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $50,175
Wayne County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $49,562
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
66.6
Median income: $58,622

Deep Dives

Dubuque County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dubuque County

via TaxByCounty

Dubuque County taxes slightly below average

Dubuque County's effective tax rate of 1.260% sits just above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the moderate range nationally. The median property tax of $2,848 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by about 5.9%, reflecting above-average home values in this regional hub.

Below-average taxation within Iowa

At 1.260%, Dubuque County's effective rate runs 6.2% below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, making it one of the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $2,848 outpaces the state median of $2,160 by 31.8%, driven by Dubuque's higher home valuations rather than aggressive rates.

Dubuque County offers competitive rates

At 1.260%, Dubuque County's rate trails only Dickinson County (0.977%) among regional peers, staying well below Delaware County (1.343%), Des Moines County (1.531%), and Decatur County (1.695%). This positions Dubuque as a relatively affordable option for property owners in northeast Iowa.

Your annual Dubuque County tax bill

On a median home valued at $226,100, Dubuque County homeowners pay approximately $2,848 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the annual escrow typically reaches $2,821; those without a mortgage pay around $2,917.

Your tax bill may be too high

Despite Dubuque's moderate rate, overassessment still occurs, particularly in a market where values fluctuate seasonally around the lakes. A professional assessment review could identify savings opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dubuque County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dubuque County

via IncomeByCounty

Dubuque County matches national income

Dubuque County's median household income of $75,919 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 2%, placing the county in line with typical American earning patterns. This solid performance reflects a diversified regional economy anchored by healthcare and manufacturing.

Consistent above-state performance

At $75,919, Dubuque County outperforms Iowa's state average of $69,830 by 9%, ranking among the state's most economically healthy counties. The strength attracts in-migration and supports regional stability.

Part of strong northeast cluster

Dubuque County's $75,919 income clusters tightly with Dickinson County ($74,570) and Delaware County ($76,205), indicating consistent regional prosperity. The near-parity suggests similar labor market dynamics across northeast Iowa.

Reasonable housing-to-income ratio

At 14.9%, Dubuque County's rent-to-income ratio remains well below the 30% affordability standard, providing residents substantial discretionary income. The median home value of $226,100 is achievable without overextending household budgets.

Invest surplus income for security

Dubuque County residents with income surplus beyond housing can allocate funds toward diversified investments, particularly through employer retirement plans and IRAs. The county's economic stability provides an opportunity to build multi-decade wealth through consistent, discipline-based saving.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dubuque County

via HealthByCounty

Dubuque County meets national health standards

Dubuque County's life expectancy of 78.7 years exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by about 2.3 years, and its 16.7% poor/fair health rate is slightly better than the national average of 18%. These metrics position Dubuque as a solid performer on the national stage.

Above-average health by Iowa standards

At 78.7 years, Dubuque County's life expectancy exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by exactly 1 year, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The favorable poor/fair health rate of 16.7% further supports Dubuque's above-average standing.

Strong provider access and solid outcomes

Dubuque County's 78.7-year life expectancy ranks in the middle-to-upper range of these eight counties, supported by 77 primary care providers and 201 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This robust provider infrastructure enables residents to pursue preventive and specialty care consistently.

Low uninsured rate with strong healthcare reach

Dubuque County's uninsured rate of 4.6% is among the lowest—well below the state average of 5.7%—ensuring broad insurance access. Combined with 77 primary care and 201 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, nearly all Dubuque residents can find and reach a doctor.

Dubuque County, keep your coverage current

With an uninsured rate of just 4.6%, Dubuque residents are largely protected by health coverage. If you're uninsured, don't delay—visit Healthcare.gov or Iowa's marketplace to find an affordable plan and join the county's healthy majority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dubuque County

via RiskByCounty

Dubuque County: Iowa's Highest-Risk County

Dubuque County scores 63.58 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but ranking as Iowa's highest-risk county and substantially above the state average of 39.68. Tornado exposure at 84.03 is among the nation's most severe, while flood risk at 65.36 reflects the county's Mississippi River location. This dual-hazard concentration creates an exceptionally challenging natural disaster environment.

Highest Overall Risk in All of Iowa

Dubuque County consistently ranks as Iowa's most disaster-prone county, with a 63.58 composite score significantly exceeding all peers. Tornado risk at 84.03 matches the state's most extreme exposure, while flood risk at 65.36 ranks third statewide, creating a formidable combination. No other Iowa county concentrates such extreme hazard exposure across two major disaster categories.

Significantly More Vulnerable Than Region

Dubuque County's 63.58 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Delaware (49.75), Jackson, and Grant counties, establishing Dubuque as the northeastern Iowa danger zone. The county's tornado risk at 84.03 matches Dallas County as the state's joint-highest, while its flood score (65.36) surpasses all neighbors. Residents of Dubuque face substantially elevated disaster risk compared to the immediate surrounding region.

Extreme Tornado and Flood Exposure

Tornado risk at 84.03 is among the nation's highest, requiring comprehensive family preparedness including a reinforced safe room and weather alert system. Flood risk at 65.36 reflects the county's proximity to the Mississippi River and tributary networks, creating seasonal inundation hazards affecting many properties. Earthquake (31.14) and wildfire (22.81) risks are comparatively minimal but warrant standard precautions.

Dual Focus: Tornado Shelters and Flood Insurance

Install or designate a basement safe room with reinforced walls and stock emergency supplies; this is essential, not optional, in Dubuque County. Secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) immediately if in a flood zone—standard policies exclude flood damage entirely. Meet with a structural engineer about your home's tornado resilience and earthquake preparedness, and review insurance annually with your agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.