ColoradoPop. 394,432Big cities
Is Aurora a Good Place to Live? Aurora, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Aurora ranks #911 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 53 big cities and #17 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (11.9%, #14 of 53), and trails on low graduation rates (65%, #46 of 47) and long commutes (28.6 min, #46 of 53).
Aurora by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Aurora's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Aurora?
Aurora's cost of living index is 105.8, 6% above the US level of 100 and #981 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,835/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $452,698, 15% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Aurora | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 105.8#981 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $452,698#735 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,758/mo#556 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $469,100#927 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,835/mo#994 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 24.9%#996 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Aurora housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Aurora is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Aurora safe?
Aurora recorded 763 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 81% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #993 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #39 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aurora Police Department. Property crime runs 2,488 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Aurora | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 763#993 of 1,085 | 422 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,488#861 of 1,085 | 2,144 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Aurora?
The median household in Aurora earns $88,368, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Aurora | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $88,368#484 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 11.9%#645 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Aurora?
The median resident of Aurora is 35.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Aurora | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.3 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 33.6%#660 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 62.4% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Aurora's schools and health?
Aurora's 90 public schools graduate 65% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $16,750 spent per pupil. 29.1% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Aurora | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 65%#1051 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $16,750#425 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 29.1%#340 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.1%#1119 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 64,945 students are enrolled in Aurora's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Aurora?
The average commute in Aurora is 28.6 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 3.4% of workers take transit and 16.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Aurora scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 32.4°F, with 15.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Aurora | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 28.6 min#1033 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.4%#864 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 66.5% | 65.4% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.4% | 1.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.5% | 2.7% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.2% | 1% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 16.5% | 19.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.5 | 17.6 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 47.5 | 19.3 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 56.4 | 27.1 | 1.1 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 33.7 | 1.7 |
| May | 71.7 | 43.4 | 2.3 |
| Jun | 84.1 | 52.9 | 1.7 |
| Jul | 90.2 | 59.3 | 2.1 |
| Aug | 87.9 | 57.2 | 1.8 |
| Sep | 80.1 | 48.2 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 66.7 | 35.7 | 1 |
| Nov | 54.8 | 25.5 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 45.9 | 17.7 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver-Stapleton.
| Measure | Aurora | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 51.4°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 71.9°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 32.4°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 15.4 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver-Stapleton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Aurora?
Arapahoe County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Arapahoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 59% of US counties.
| Measure | Aurora | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#560 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Arapahoe County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Arapahoe County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.052% | 99% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 72% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.051% | 12% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Aurora compare with similar-size cities?
Aurora is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #31 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 394,432.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #1124 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 | 23.6 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #1271 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 | 22.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Aurora compare with the rest of Colorado?
Aurora ranks #17 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 9% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 81% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Colorado home.
| City | Rank in CO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #1 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #2 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data |
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #3 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #4 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #5 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #6 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #7 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 |
| Loveland, COPop. 78,410 | #8 | 60.1 | $84,604 | $1,730/mo | 163 |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #9 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #10 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #11 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #12 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #13 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #14 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #15 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #16 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #17 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #18 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #19 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #20 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 |
All 20 Colorado cities we track, by overall score. Colorado statewide: median income $97,113, violent crime 421.7 per 100,000.
How is Aurora's score calculated?
Aurora scores 51.5 out of 100, #911 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Colorado's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Aurora. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Aurora's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
40.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Aurora. Similar-size median 54.8.
63.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Aurora's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
36.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Aurora's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
52.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Aurora. Similar-size median 47.2.
56.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Aurora. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Aurora. Similar-size median 53.7.
51.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Aurora's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
51.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Aurora's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Aurora has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Aurora
Is Aurora, CO a good place to live?
Aurora ranks #911 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 53 big cities and #17 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (11.9%, #14 of 53), and trails on low graduation rates (65%, #46 of 47) and long commutes (28.6 min, #46 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Aurora?
Aurora's cost of living index is 105.8, 6% above the US level of 100 and #981 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,835/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $452,698, 15% below the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Aurora?
Aurora recorded 763 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 81% above Colorado's 422. That ranks #993 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #39 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aurora Police Department. Property crime runs 2,488 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Aurora?
The median household in Aurora earns $88,368, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Aurora?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,835/mo (Census), #994 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,758/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Aurora?
The typical home value in Aurora is $452,698, down 2.8% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $469,100.
How are the public schools in Aurora?
Aurora's 90 public schools graduate 65% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $16,750 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Aurora?
The average commute is 28.6 minutes, #1033 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 7.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Aurora?
Aurora averages 51.4°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 32.4°F in winter, with 15.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Aurora walkable?
Aurora scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Aurora at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Arapahoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 59% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Aurora?
Arapahoe County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Aurora?
Aurora has 394,432 residents. The median resident of Aurora is 35.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Aurora compare with the rest of Colorado?
Aurora ranks #17 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 9% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 81% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Aurora?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Aurora's population of 394,432 are Minneapolis, MN (#759 overall), Tulsa, OK (#1127 overall), Bakersfield, CA (#1124 overall), Tampa, FL (#649 overall), and Wichita, KS (#1135 overall). Aurora is #911.