Is Aurora Safe, Pros and cons of living in Aurora
Is it Safe to Live in Aurora?
Aurora, Colorado, presents a complex picture regarding safety. While some sources indicate a generally safe environment with many highly-rated neighborhoods, others highlight significant concerns with crime rates. The city’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with specific attention drawn to property crimes, particularly motor vehicle theft (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Aurora is approximately 1 in 107, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 33.
However, it’s crucial to consider that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some reports suggest that a majority of Aurora’s neighborhoods are considered safe, with a high percentage receiving “Grade A” ratings (according to DoorProfit’s crime map analysis). Residents often consider the southeastern part of the city to be the safest. Understanding these neighborhood-specific statistics is key to assessing personal safety within Aurora.
Housing Costs in Aurora
Aurora’s housing market offers a range of options, with median home prices hovering around $440,000 (according to Realtor.com®). More recent data indicates a median sales price of approximately $465,000, showing a slight increase year-over-year (according to Houzeo). For those considering renting, the average rent for an apartment in Aurora is about $1,641 per month, a figure that has seen a slight decrease compared to the previous year (according to RentCafe).
When looking at specific rental costs, studio apartments average around $1,196 per month, while one-bedroom apartments are typically priced at $1,434. Two-bedroom apartments generally cost around $1,794, and three-bedroom units can go for approximately $2,507 monthly (according to RentCafe). These rental prices are generally lower than those found in Denver, making Aurora an attractive option for commuters who work in the larger city but prefer more affordable housing.
Cost of Living
Aurora’s overall cost of living is moderately higher than the national average. Some estimates place it around 20-23% more expensive than the U.S. average, largely driven by housing costs. Another assessment indicates that Aurora is about 10% more expensive than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. However, it is generally considered more affordable than Denver, with some sources stating it’s about 3% cheaper than its larger neighbor.
When breaking down expenses, utility and transportation costs are often close to or slightly below national averages. Grocery prices are generally comparable to the national average or slightly higher. Healthcare, on the other hand, tends to be higher than the national average. For a single person to live comfortably, an annual salary of approximately $60,000 is recommended, while a family might need around $88,000 per year (according to Sean Closset – Denver Real Estate Broker).
Job Market and Economy
Aurora boasts a robust job market with numerous major employers across various sectors. Key industries include aerospace and defense, bioscience and healthcare, and transportation and logistics. Significant employers in the city include Amazon, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, UCHealth, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. The city is home to nearly 10,000 businesses, offering more than 153,000 jobs.
The average annual salary in Aurora is approximately $61,361, translating to about $29.50 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Other estimates place the average total compensation package, including bonuses and benefits, around $90,006 annually (according to Salary.com). Wage growth in Aurora has been notable, increasing by over 36% between 2019 and 2024. The median household income in Aurora was $88,368 in 2024 (according to the US Census Bureau and City of Aurora).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Aurora has seen some fluctuation. As of recent data, the unemployment rate for Aurora, CO, is reported at 4.40%, which is lower than the long-term average of 5.18% (according to YCharts). Another report for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO (MSA) shows an unemployment rate of 4.50%. These figures suggest a relatively stable employment landscape, with rates generally aligning with or performing better than historical averages.
The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area’s unemployment rate has experienced changes, rising from 3.60% to 4.50% in a recent month, but it remains down from 4.60% a year ago (according to YCharts). This indicates a dynamic but generally manageable job market within the region.
Climate in Aurora
Aurora experiences a climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 16°F in winter to a high of 90°F in summer (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 89°F and lows near 58°F, while December is the coldest, with average highs of 46°F and lows of 17°F.
Annual precipitation averages around 18 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving approximately 2 inches of rain. Snowfall averages about 46 inches annually. Aurora also benefits from over 300 days of sunshine per year, making outdoor activities enjoyable for a significant portion of the year (according to the Aurora Economic Development Council).
School Ratings
Aurora’s public school system serves a large student population, with the Aurora Joint School District No. 28 having over 38,000 students. The district receives an overall “C+” Niche Grade. State test scores indicate that 14% of students are proficient in math and 24% in reading within this district.
While some schools within the district receive varied ratings, there are also highly-regarded schools serving Aurora residents, including those within the Denver Public Schools system which has an overall rating of 3.82 out of 5. Niche.com provides detailed ratings for individual schools and districts, which can be a valuable resource for families looking for specific educational environments.
Demographics
Aurora is a large and diverse city with a population exceeding 394,000 residents (as of 2024, according to Data USA). The city is the third most populated in Colorado, following Denver and Colorado Springs. A significant portion of Aurora’s population, about 21.9%, was born outside the country (as of 2024).
The racial and ethnic makeup of Aurora is varied. White (Non-Hispanic) residents form the largest group, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and Hispanic residents. Specifically, White residents constitute about 40.9%, Hispanic or Latino residents make up approximately 31.4%, and Black residents are around 15.3% of the population (according to Census Dots and Niche). The median age in Aurora is 35.3 years old, which is younger than the national median age (according to the City of Aurora).