Dubuque area
The Dubuque area is the general area encompassing Dubuque, Iowa. The official population of the Dubuque metro (Dubuque County) was 92,384 as of the 2005 population estimates. Although, if the unofficial counties are included, the area's population is near 190,000. Geography. The Dubuque area is in the Driftless Area. This area was un-affected by glaciers during the last major ice age. Hills, cliffs, and valleys dominate the region. In fact, Dubuque's hills are often compared to those of San Francisco. The Mississippi River separates Iowa from Wisconsin and Illinois, though the two states can be  accessed by two bridges. Growth. The areas west of Dubuque have with-held major growth, expansion, and commercialization in the past two decades. With quick access to Dubuque via U.S. Route 20, towns like Asbury, Peosta, and Epworth have expanded. Communities. The area generally includes the towns of: In Illinois: In Wisconsin: In Iowa