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Dubuque,IA Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Dubuque, IA

Dubuque, Iowa, is a charming city nestled along the Mississippi River, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities. When exploring the best neighborhoods in Dubuque, you'll find a diverse blend of areas, each offering something unique for residents and visitors alike. From historic districts filled with stunning architecture to modern developments with convenient amenities, Dubuque neighborhoods map reveals a city full of character and opportunities for all lifestyles.

Demographic Insights & Community Composition

The neighborhoods in Dubuque range from family-friendly suburbs to bustling urban areas. For example, the historic Lower Main Street area attracts a mix of young professionals and artists, thanks to its lively arts scene and renovated loft apartments. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Washington and Prescott are known for their tight-knit communities and a higher concentration of families, with local schools and parks fostering a friendly atmosphere. Understanding the demographic makeup helps newcomers find the area that best suits their lifestyle and needs.

Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer

Dubuque’s neighborhoods offer a variety of lifestyles to choose from. If you love dining out and nightlife, the Downtown area boasts popular spots like the Fenelon Place Elevator and eateries such as Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Eagle Point Park neighborhood provides easy access to hiking trails and stunning river views. On the other hand, areas like Asbury cater to suburban living with shopping centers and family-oriented community events, offering a quieter pace of life.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

When it comes to housing, Dubuque offers a range of affordable options compared to larger metropolitan areas. In neighborhoods like the North End, you’ll find historic homes with character at reasonable prices, perfect for first-time buyers or those looking for renovation projects. On the other hand, newer developments in the southwest part of the city, such as near Asbury, feature modern single-family homes with updated amenities. The real estate market here is relatively stable, making it a great place to invest or settle down.

Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility

Getting around Dubuque is convenient, with several public transit options available. The city’s bus system covers most neighborhoods, including the busy Downtown and University areas, making commuting hassle-free. For those who prefer biking or walking, many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, especially near the riverfront and historic districts. The Dubuque neighborhoods map highlights key transit routes, ensuring residents have easy access to shopping, schools, and entertainment hubs without needing a car.

Things to Do: Popular Attractions and Activities

Dubuque’s neighborhoods are rich with attractions that make living here enjoyable. The Historic Millwork District offers a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, while the Ice Harbor area is perfect for boating enthusiasts and scenic riverwalks. Families love visiting the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in the Southwest, and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium downtown is a must-see for all ages. Each neighborhood has its unique charm and activities that keep residents engaged year-round.

Colleges & Universities: Neighborhoods with Higher Education

Dubuque is home to several colleges, notably Loras College and the University of Dubuque, both located near the downtown area. These neighborhoods buzz with student activity and offer a variety of cafes, bookstores, and cultural events that enrich the community. The presence of these institutions adds a youthful energy and provides residents with educational opportunities right in their backyard. Nearby neighborhoods also benefit from the university’s resources, including sports events and public lectures.

Hidden Gems: What You Might Not Know About Dubuque Neighborhoods

Beyond the well-known attractions, Dubuque neighborhoods have some lesser-known treasures. For instance, the Cathedral Historic District features beautiful churches and quaint bed-and-breakfasts that many visitors overlook. The Millwork District has transformed former industrial spaces into art galleries and boutique shops that give the area a trendy vibe. Exploring the Dubuque neighborhoods map can reveal these hidden pockets of charm, inviting you to discover the city’s rich past and vibrant present in new ways.

Dubuque Demographics

Population 59,315
Density (People/sqml.) 1,897
Median Age 37.9
Married Couples
45%
45% of the population of Dubuque aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
20%
20% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Valley View 33.8 14.4% $143,450 $90,500 1.6
Grandview 41.6 11.2% $162,550 $77,160 2.1
Broadway 40.1 14.1% $95,775 $46,573 2.2
South Grandview 42.3 18.6% $218,667 $93,847 2.3
North End 43.2 15.4% $107,430 $49,157 2.3
Eagle Point 40.2 24% $124,413 $49,454 2.5
Hilltop-Ivy League 33.3 16.6% $159,080 $61,370 2.6
Langworthy District 41.8 13.8% $169,533 $72,771 2.6
Historic Bluffs 28.7 18.4% $157,050 $53,017 3.1
Washington 34.6 17% $166,271 $52,507 3.2

Dubuque neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Dubuque—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Dubuque, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Dubuque

Violent Crime 12% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 18% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 13% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Dubuque
/100k
IA
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 1 1.7 2.1 5.0
Rape 47 80.2 35.2 37.5
Robbery 14 23.9 18.7 60.6
Assault 173 295.1 187.2 256.1
Total Violent Crime 235 401 243 359
Burglary 134 228.6 199.1 229.2
Theft 652 1,112.3 962.6 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 55 93.8 135.1 258.8
Total Property Crime 841 1,435 1,297 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 1,076 1,836 1,540 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.