Real Estate Investing in Dubuque, Iowa (52002)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52002 (Dubuque, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Dubuque, IA (52002)?
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Market Analysis: 52002 Dubuque
ZIP 52002 in Dubuque, IA carries a solid set of headwinds. Home values near $352K and rents of $1,767/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $352K asset, 52002 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
In practical terms, 52002 offers a low basis, the region around Dubuque has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The demographic picture in 52002 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Dubuque averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategically, 52002 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Dubuque:
Property Strategy for 52002
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $264,156 | $1,170 | 3.2% | +6.7% | $132,078 |
| 3BR | $297,131 | $1,570 | 3.8% | +6.7% | $99,044 |
| 4BR | $401,971 | $1,960 | 3.5% | +6.4% | $100,493 |
| 5BR | $519,168 | — | — | +6.5% | $103,834 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52002 Compare?
| Metric | 52002 | Dubuque | Dubuque, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $351,724 | $181,029 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.8% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,767 | $1,330 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 52002 (Dubuque, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $351,724 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,767 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.9%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 52002
Population: 17,931
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 52002
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much rent can I charge in Dubuque, IA?
Rents in Dubuque, IA run near $1,767/mo. Compared with median home prices of $352K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Are homes affordable in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque, IA median home values land near $352K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,767/mo-per-month rentals.
Which real estate strategy fits Dubuque, IA?
The best-fit strategy in Dubuque, IA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
Should investors worry about vacancy in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque, IA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader IA rental market.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Dubuque, IA?
The house hack math a challenging in Dubuque, IA. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,767/mo rents and $352K home values.
You know 52002 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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