IllinoisPop. 179,898Mid-size cities
Is Aurora a Good Place to Live? Aurora, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Aurora ranks #376 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #51 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 29 in Illinois. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
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 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,596/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $324,261, 9% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Aurora | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $324,261#449 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,253/mo#822 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $274,800#459 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,596/mo#785 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.5%#514 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Aurora safe?
Aurora recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 12% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #394 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #62 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aurora Police Department. Property crime runs 1,082 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Aurora | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 220#394 of 1,085 | 251 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,082#256 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois 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 $93,633, 13% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Aurora | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $93,633#420 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.5%#455 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois 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 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #508 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Aurora | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 38.5%#508 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 66.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Aurora's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Aurora; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $17,111 per pupil. 35.9% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Aurora | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,111#403 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.9%#855 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15.2%#1088 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 36,131 students are enrolled in Aurora's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Aurora?
The average commute in Aurora is 27.2 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 2.6% of workers take transit and 16.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Aurora scores 11.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.4°F and winters 26.4°F, with 39.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Aurora | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.2 min#950 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 8.9%#987 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67% | 66% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.6% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 16.1% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.2#563 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois 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 | 30.5 | 16 | 1.9 |
| Feb | 34.9 | 19.5 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 47 | 28.9 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 59.8 | 39.3 | 4.1 |
| May | 71.1 | 50.1 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 80.5 | 60.1 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 84 | 64.8 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 82.1 | 63.1 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 75.8 | 55.3 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 62.8 | 43.1 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 47.8 | 31.7 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 35.6 | 21.8 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aurora.
| Measure | Aurora | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 26.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 39.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Aurora.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Aurora?
Kane County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kane County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Aurora | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#276 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kane County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kane County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.012% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 45% 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 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #51 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 179,898.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Ontario, CAPop. 180,547 | #854 | 52.4 | $88,941 | $2,030/mo | 244 | 31.5 min |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #889 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 | 18.4 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #41 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 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 Illinois?
Aurora ranks #18 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 13% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Bolingbrook, ILPop. 74,096 | … #14 | 63.8 | $108,400 | $1,749/mo | 220 |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #15 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #16 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #17 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #18 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #19 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #20 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #21 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #22 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Aurora among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Aurora's score calculated?
Aurora scores 60.4 out of 100, #376 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois'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 52.9.
57.3 - 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 70.6.
85.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Aurora. Similar-size median 53.8.
54.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Aurora's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Aurora's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
64.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Aurora. Similar-size median 51.2.
63.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Aurora. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Aurora. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Aurora's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
66.2 - 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 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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, IL a good place to live?
Aurora ranks #376 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #51 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 29 in Illinois. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Aurora?
Aurora's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,596/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $324,261, 9% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Aurora?
Aurora recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 12% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #394 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #62 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Aurora Police Department. Property crime runs 1,082 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Aurora?
The median household in Aurora earns $93,633, 13% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Aurora?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,596/mo (Census), #785 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,253/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Aurora?
The typical home value in Aurora is $324,261, up 3.2% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $274,800.
How are the public schools in Aurora?
There is no city graduation rate for Aurora; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $17,111 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Aurora?
The average commute is 27.2 minutes, #950 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 8.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Aurora?
Aurora averages 50.2°F over the year, 72.4°F in summer and 26.4°F in winter, with 39.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Aurora walkable?
Aurora scores 11.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #563 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 Kane County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Aurora?
Kane County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Aurora?
Aurora has 179,898 residents. The median resident of Aurora is 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #508 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Aurora compare with the rest of Illinois?
Aurora ranks #18 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 13% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Aurora?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Aurora's population of 179,898 are Paradise, NV (#1205 overall), Fort Lauderdale, FL (#931 overall), Newport News, VA (#880 overall), Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), and Ontario, CA (#854 overall). Aurora is #376.