Dubuque County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in Iowa
The population of Dubuque County, Iowa is 98,948 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $75,919, the median home value is $226,100, and the median age is 38.8.
The population of Dubuque County has grown 5.7% since 2010 (93,933 → 99,242), a +0.39% annualized rate.
98,948
Population
+0.39%
Annual growth
163
People / sq mi
$75,919
Median Income
$226,100
Median Home Value
Dubuque County covers 608 sq mi of land at 162.7 people per square mile.
About Dubuque County, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Dubuque County from the typical county: 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Dubuque County is a county in Iowa with a population of 98,948. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Iowa in the country, at #8 by population.
The typical household earns $75,919 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Only 5.3% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $226,100, with typical rent around $944.
College attainment is above the local norm at 32.9%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.0% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Dubuque County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dubuque County had a population of 93,933 in 2010 and 99,242 in 2024, a 5.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 99,310 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.40%.
99,242
Population (2024)
93,933
Population (2010)
99,310
Peak (2020)
0.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 93,933 |
| 2011 | 94,656 |
| 2012 | 95,183 |
| 2013 | 95,990 |
| 2014 | 96,544 |
| 2015 | 96,934 |
| 2016 | 96,819 |
| 2017 | 97,162 |
| 2018 | 96,961 |
| 2019 | 97,432 |
| 2020 | 99,310 |
| 2021 | 98,863 |
| 2022 | 98,748 |
| 2023 | 98,988 |
| 2024 | 99,242 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.9% |
| Black or African American | 2.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.8
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,919+$2,772 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,871 |
| Per-capita income | $40,624 |
| Poverty rate | 5.3%-1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dubuque County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
78.4%
Public transit
11.0%
Work from home
17.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$226,100+$30,200 vs state
Median home value
$944
Median rent
73.2%
Homeownership rate
43,003
Total housing units
94.4%
Occupied
5.6%
Vacant
26.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.5%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
22.2%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
10.9%
With a disability
95.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.1%
High School+
32.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubuque County, Iowa has a population of 98,948 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 163 people per square mile.
The population of Dubuque County has grown 5.7% since 2010 (93,933 → 99,242), a +0.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dubuque County, Iowa is $75,919, with mean (average) household income of $98,871 and per-capita income of $40,624. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dubuque County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.9%), Black or African American (2.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dubuque County, Iowa is 38.8 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Dubuque County is $226,100 and median monthly rent is $944. 73.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 43,003 total housing units, 5.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dubuque County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Dubuque County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Dubuque County, IA Climate
Dubuque County, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.2°C (47°F) and receives about 868 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.2°C
Avg Temp
868
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 17° | 27 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 30 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 58 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 82 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 96 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 110 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 95 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 111 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 98 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 62 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 59 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 40 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Dubuque County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Dubuque County, IA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dubuque County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.