Dubuque

As of May 2026, Dubuque, Galena, Platteville have 1,720 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Dubuque generates $35K per year. High-performing properties earn $73K/year, while low-performing properties earn $16K/year. This wide variance suggests that revenue potential is heavily concentrated in a subset of listings, indicating that market saturation may be affecting average earners more severely than top-tier assets.

Average home prices in Dubuque vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $125K, 2-bedroom homes average $190K, 3-bedroom properties are around $258K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $308K. These prices reflect median home values across the Dubuque, Galena, Platteville area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Dubuque, with an average gross yield of 13% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 28%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between these figures highlights that while the market supports strong returns, capital efficiency remains highly polarized.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Dubuque is 30%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $279, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $71 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Dubuque, with an average gross yield of 17% and annual revenue of $57K. These properties balance purchase price ($308K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Dubuque market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Dubuque area. Dubuque: Moderate. Requires business license and zoning compliance. Non-owner-occupied rentals need conditional use permit in residential zones. Standard enforcement through complaints. Galena: Lenient. Business license required, sales tax collection mandatory. No owner-occupancy rules or density limits. Light enforcement, complaint-driven. Platteville: Lenient. Requires rental permit and inspections. No specific STR regulations beyond standard rental rules. Minimal enforcement, primarily safety-focused. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Dubuque Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 9%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue relative to inventory growth suggests that new listings are effectively absorbing existing demand without significantly shifting market equilibrium.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 15% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Dubuque listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (82%), Washing Machine (75%), Heating (64%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Internet, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 49% more ($59K/year vs $39K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Dubuque over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Dubuque is $279, up 13% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $177/night, 2-bedroom properties average $201/night, 3-bedroom properties average $284/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $522/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Dubuque book an average of 36 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 39 days, 4+ bedroom: 49 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Dubuque Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 6%, revenue per listing decreased 9%, occupancy fell 6%, average nightly rates increased 13%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics imply that price hikes are currently outpacing demand, leading to higher inventory friction and lower utilization rates.

In Dubuque, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 138% higher occupancy than weekdays.