Dubuque Named One of the Best Cities for New College Graduates

JUNE 4, 2025

Dubuque has once again been named one of the best cities for recent college graduates.  

Dubuque is ranked #16 overall in the new rankings, compiled by human resources software company Checkr. Among “small” cities with populations of 200,000 residents or fewer, Dubuque ranked tenth. The ratings are based on several key factors related to employment, affordability, and social aspects. Dubuque’s position in the survey matches its position in a similar survey by SmartAsset last year. 

Checkr’s ratings were largely based on seven metrics: 

• Unemployment rate 
• Labor force participation rate 
• Income-to-rent ratio 
• Percentage of renters paying less than 30% of income in rent 
• Real personal income 
• College grads as portion of the population 
• College grads per entertainment establishment

Dubuque ranked second among the employment-related metrics and came in eighth within the categories related to affordability. Checkr described Dubuque as “ideal for those who want to avoid high rent and congestion while still enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with access to jobs and recreation.” 

Among small cities, Dubuque was one of just two Iowa municipalities in the Top Ten.  

Dubuque’s position in the overall ratings is higher than many regional cities including Omaha, Fargo, Sioux Falls, La Crosse, Ames, Indianapolis, and Green Bay. 

The full rankings can be viewed at https://checkr.com/resources/articles/best-cities-for-new-college-grads-2025 

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MEDIA CONTACT
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
rgehl@cityofdubuque.org, 563.589.4151