Dubuque, IA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Dubuque Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Dubuque presents an intriguing short-term rental opportunity for investors willing to look beyond the major metros. With an average annual revenue of $25,693 across 99 active listings, the market benefits from relatively affordable home values averaging $383,953 and an above-average growth trend. While occupancy sits at 26% — below Iowa's 33% state average — the market's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and strong seasonal peaks suggest room for well-positioned properties to outperform.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Dubuque short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Dubuque

Dubuque's combination of affordable property values, meaningful seasonal revenue, and above-average market growth makes it a compelling consideration for investors seeking emerging Midwest STR markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Dubuque earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with a 57/100 ROI score, reflecting a market that rewards strategic investors without offering effortless returns. Seasonality is pronounced — August leads at $3,391 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out near $1,068, creating a roughly 3:1 spread that investors must budget around. The sweet spot for revenue generation appears to be larger properties, where 4-bedroom units pull in $41,546 annually compared to roughly $17,400 for 1- and 2-bedroom listings. Investors who focus on well-appointed, larger homes and optimize pricing around the May-through-October peak window are best positioned to capitalize on this market's growth trajectory."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Dubuque

Average revenue by month in Dubuque

Dubuque's revenue curve peaks sharply in August at $3,391 and bottoms out in January at $1,068, revealing a strong summer-fall seasonality pattern with roughly a 3:1 spread between peak and trough months. Investors should expect five strong months (June–October) averaging above $2,200, with the winter quarter requiring careful cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Dubuque

Two-bedroom properties dominate Dubuque's supply with 35 listings, followed by 25 one-bedroom units, while 4-bedroom homes account for just 11 of the 99 active listings. The relative scarcity of larger properties, combined with their superior revenue performance, suggests an underserved niche that investors could target for competitive advantage.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Dubuque

ADR climbs steeply with property size in Dubuque — 1- and 2-bedroom units sit at $130–$131, while 4-bedroom properties command $281 per night, more than double the rate. The 3-bedroom tier at $191 represents a notable jump from 2-bedroom pricing, suggesting that the premium-to-cost trade-off starts becoming attractive at three bedrooms and above.

Average RevPAN by property size in Dubuque

Four-bedroom listings lead convincingly with a RevPAN of $89, more than double the market average of $45 and well ahead of 3-bedroom units at $49. Two-bedroom properties lag at just $27 RevPAN despite being the most common listing type, indicating that supply saturation may be compressing their per-night revenue potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Dubuque

Occupancy rates range from 21% for 2-bedroom units to 32% for 4-bedroom properties, with 1-bedroom (29%) and 3-bedroom (26%) falling in between. The higher fill rate for 4-bedroom listings, despite their premium pricing, points to strong demand for larger group-friendly accommodations and more reliable cash flow at that tier.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Dubuque

Four-bedroom properties generate the highest monthly revenue at $3,462, followed by 3-bedroom units at $2,933 — both comfortably above the market-wide average of $2,141. One- and 2-bedroom listings earn nearly identical amounts ($1,450 and $1,448 respectively), underscoring that smaller units in Dubuque compete on volume rather than revenue per property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Dubuque

Annual revenue potential scales dramatically with size: 4-bedroom listings average $41,546, nearly 2.4 times the $17,409 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom properties at $35,203 also deliver strong returns, making the 3- to 4-bedroom range the clear sweet spot for investors prioritizing top-line revenue in Dubuque.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Dubuque

Parking (100%), kitchen (97%), and self check-in (91%) are virtually universal among Dubuque listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like hot tub (10%), pet-friendliness (30%), and BBQ grill (32%) remain less common and could serve as meaningful competitive advantages for hosts looking to stand out in this market.

Understanding Dubuque's ROI Score: 57/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Dubuque's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, signaling a market with genuine upside tempered by a few areas that need attention. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the above-average market growth trend is an encouraging sign that demand is building. Investors should note the below-average supply/demand balance — listing growth of 90% year-over-year is aggressive — and pair this data with thorough local regulatory research to ensure their investment thesis holds.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Dubuque

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Dubuque. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Dubuque, Iowa may be required to obtain permits or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County authorities before purchasing or operating an STR.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Dubuque include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions. Investors should also check for any HOA rules, zoning restrictions, or potential permit caps that could affect eligibility in specific neighborhoods.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Iowa are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel taxes on lodging revenue. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Iowa Department of Revenue and local taxing authorities.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Dubuque can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Dubuque's short-term rental market is expected to continue its above-average growth trajectory, supported by rising listing counts and strengthening seasonal demand. Summer and early fall months should remain the primary revenue drivers, with peak months likely sustaining ADR in the $175–$200+ range for well-managed properties. Occupancy rates could edge toward 28–30% market-wide as the supply base matures and operators refine pricing strategies, though the below-average supply/demand balance warrants monitoring. Investors entering now may benefit from the market's growth phase, but should plan conservatively around the softer winter months when revenue can dip below $1,100."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Dubuque, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dubuque?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Dubuque is currently 26%, which falls below Iowa's statewide average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size — 4-bedroom units lead at 32%, while 2-bedroom properties see the lowest occupancy at 21%. Investors can improve their occupancy through competitive pricing, strong amenity packages, and dynamic rate adjustments during peak months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Dubuque?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Dubuque earn approximately $2,141 per month or $25,693 per year based on historical trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue varies significantly by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $3,462 monthly ($41,546 annually), while 1-bedroom units earn closer to $1,450 monthly ($17,409 annually). Peak summer months like August can push monthly revenue above $3,300 market-wide.

Is Dubuque a good market for Airbnb investment?

Dubuque scores a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market features an above-average growth trend and reasonable revenue relative to property values averaging $383,953. While occupancy is moderate and the supply/demand balance needs watching, investors targeting larger properties and optimizing for the strong summer-fall season can find solid return potential here.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Dubuque?

The average daily rate in Dubuque is $175, which is below Iowa's statewide average of $265. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1- and 2-bedroom listings average $130–$131 per night, 3-bedroom units command $191, and 4-bedroom properties reach $281 per night. This pricing tier structure creates a clear incentive for investors to consider larger properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Dubuque?

Short-term rentals operate in Dubuque, with 99 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations can change, and operators may need permits or licenses from the City of Dubuque. Investors should consult local zoning ordinances, the city clerk's office, and any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Dubuque?

Peak season in Dubuque runs from June through October, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,391. July ($2,883), September ($2,655), and October ($2,638) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($1,068) and February ($1,287), meaning investors should plan their cash flow around a pronounced seasonal curve.

How many Airbnbs are there in Dubuque?

As of April 2026, there are 99 active Airbnb listings in Dubuque. The supply breaks down to 25 one-bedroom, 35 two-bedroom, 21 three-bedroom, and 11 four-bedroom properties. Two-bedroom units make up the largest share of inventory, while 4-bedroom listings remain relatively scarce — a potential opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Dubuque?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Dubuque are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of the stated date and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, zoning, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before investing.