City Profile
Aurora, Colorado
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Aurora, Colorado, is a sprawling and diverse city situated just east of Denver, serving as a significant economic and cultural hub in the Front Range Urban Corridor. Originally platted as Fletcher in 1891, it was later renamed Aurora and has experienced substantial growth, particularly after World War II. The city is known for its expansive suburban character, offering a blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and vast open spaces. People are drawn to Aurora for its relative affordability compared to its larger neighbor, Denver, its access to major employment centers, and its proximity to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Rocky Mountains. The community is characterized by its cultural diversity, with a wide array of ethnic restaurants, shops, and community events that reflect its multicultural population.
Colorado is characterized by its diverse geography, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Plains, offering a lifestyle that blends natural beauty with community charm and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The state's economy is robust and diversified, with major industries including aerospace, bioscience, technology, energy and natural resources, financial services, and a strong tourism sector. Living in Colorado is generally more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a primary driver. The climate is diverse, featuring four distinct seasons with abundant sunshine, though it can experience rapid weather shifts, including hot summers, cold winters, and occasional extreme weather events like flash floods and strong winds.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Aurora, Colorado, is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 103. While housing expenses are reported to be 5% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 13% lower, grocery prices are about 2% higher. Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are approximately 2% lower than the national average. However, healthcare costs in Aurora are notably higher, estimated to be 19% above the national average. These factors contribute to a cost of living that, while more affordable than Denver, still requires careful budgeting for residents.
Income
Salary Insights
Aurora's economy is robust and diverse, employing a significant workforce across various sectors. In 2024, the city's employment grew at a rate of 1.71%, with approximately 209,000 employees. The leading industries in Aurora include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction, which collectively employ a large number of residents. The education and health services industry is a major employer, with the Anschutz Medical Campus being a significant economic driver. The annual average wage for an Aurora-based job was $77,330.55 in 2025. Remote work has also seen a significant increase, with more than 16% of Aurora workers working from home, a figure that has tripled since 2019.
The average salary in Aurora is $61,855 per year. You would need approximately $41,621 to live comfortably.
Employment
Top Industries
Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Transportation in Aurora is largely car-dependent, with over two-thirds of workers driving alone to their jobs. The average commute time for residents is approximately 29 minutes. While public transportation options exist, with a Transit Score of 43, they are considered somewhat limited for extensive city-wide travel. The city has a Walk Score of 43, indicating that most errands require a car, though some neighborhoods, like City Center, offer better walkability. A Bike Score of 55 suggests some bike infrastructure is available. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides bus and light rail services, with a monthly pass costing $88 in 2024.
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