Real Estate Investing in Dubuque, Iowa (52003)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 52003 (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 (52003)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 52003 Dubuque
ZIP 52003 inside Dubuque County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $343K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 52003 reflects the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Statewide comparisons place 52003 among IA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Resident income in 52003 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 52003 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Dubuque:
Property Strategy for 52003
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $222,614 | $1,100 | 3.6% | +6.9% | $111,307 |
| 3BR | $299,294 | $1,480 | 3.6% | +6.6% | $99,765 |
| 4BR | $412,686 | $1,850 | 3.2% | +6.6% | $103,172 |
| 5BR | $612,974 | — | — | +7.3% | $122,595 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 52003 Compare?
| Metric | 52003 | Dubuque | Dubuque, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $342,645 | $181,029 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.9% | 5.8% | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $1,175 | $1,330 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% | 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 52003 (Dubuque, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $342,645 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,175 |
| Price-to-Rent | 24.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.1% |
| Cap Rate | 2.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +7.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.9% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.7%). 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 52003
Population: 13,735
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 52003
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 expensive is real estate in Dubuque, IA?
Median home price in Dubuque, IA is near $343K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been even-keeled and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
What kind of tenants rent in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque, IA offers a even-keeled renter base at the $1,175/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Is Dubuque, IA suited for a house hack?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Dubuque, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
Is Dubuque, IA good for landlords?
Dubuque, IA falls under IA landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Are rents high in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque, IA rentals go for roughly $1,175/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $343K acquisition costs.
You know 52003 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 52003 ranks in Dubuque, IA
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