What to know when moving to Aurora, IL
Aurora at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 49.5% hold a bachelor's degree and 38.6% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $98,249, offering a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,861, housing costs can be on the higher side.
- Commute:
- Only 6.2% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,861/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Aurora is a city with a robust educational background, as nearly half of the residents have a bachelor's degree. The population of 38,861 enjoys a relatively high median household income of $98,249, but the rental market can be challenging with a median rent of $1,861. This area experiences around 109 rainy days a year, so potential residents should be prepared for a wet climate. The community is predominantly homeowners, with 61.4% owning their homes.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low-cost rental, as the median rent can be quite steep.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,861, making it a significant part of the budget for renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $272,800, reflecting a strong housing market.
- 49.5% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, indicating a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 8.0%, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Illinois, the crime rates show a declining trend over the years, indicating improvements in safety.
- Violent crime: 245.7 per 100,000 residents, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,549 per 100,000 residents, down 16.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Aurora has access to a number of educational institutions, with 14 schools in total.
- Postsecondary institutions: 14
- With College Scorecard data: 13
- Notable nearby options include Aurora University and Rasmussen University-Aurora.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Aurora experiences 32.5 inches of precipitation annually, with an average of 109 rainy days. Winter brings about 2.1 inches of snow over 20 snow days. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various parks in the vicinity.
- Phillips Park Zoo - 4.5 stars from 2,325 reviews
- RiverEdge Park - 4.6 stars from 1,705 reviews
- Slick City Action Park - 4.7 stars from 1,241 reviews
- Waubonsie Lake Park - 4.7 stars from 894 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in DuPage County presents a stable environment for employment.
- Unemployment rate: 3.7% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 496,833 individuals.
- Labor force: 515,974 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.