Median Age
36 Years
Largest Age Group
15-24 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
27%
Over 65
12%
Avg Rent
$1,596
Population
172,846
Renter Mix
35% Rent
Living in Aurora, Illinois combines suburban comfort with city amenities in Chicago's western suburbs. As Illinois' second-largest city, Aurora offers housing options throughout its distinct neighborhoods, from historic downtown residences to newer construction on the Far East Side. The Fox River flows through the heart of the city, where the restored downtown features the historic Paramount Theatre and an expanding selection of local businesses. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound along the Fox River Trail system and at Phillips Park, home to a free zoo and golf course. Current rental data shows one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,607 per month, reflecting a 5.2% increase over the past year.
Aurora's history shines through its nickname "City of Lights," earned in 1881 as one of the first U.S. cities to implement all-electric street lighting. The community houses several educational institutions, including Aurora University and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. The city is served by multiple school districts. Downtown Aurora continues to grow, anchored by the Waubonsee Community College campus along the Fox River. Two Metra stations provide direct access to Chicago, while preserved architectural landmarks like the Paramount Theatre and Leland Tower showcase the city's historic character, offering residents convenient access to both suburban amenities and urban opportunities.
Median Household Income
$84,339
Average: $107,249
Education
48,867
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
93,922
Workers Employed
Median Age
36 Years
Largest Age Group
15-24 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
27%
Over 65
12%
Housing Distribution
Aurora has more homeowners than renters.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Aurora, IL is $1,184 for a studio, $1,593 for one bedroom, $2,014 for two bedrooms, and $2,435 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Aurora has increased by 0.5% in the past year.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Aurora, IL is for everyday living.
Moderately Walkable
Walkability
Limited Public Transit
Transit
Fairly Drivable
Drivability
Moderately Bikeable
Bikeability
Reba O Steck Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
660 Students
Wolfs Crossing Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
485 Students
Public
Grades K-5
494 Students
Public
Grades K-5
723 Students
Public
Grades K-5
378 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
642 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,021 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
277 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
657 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
584 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,766 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,715 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
3,818 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
4,197 Students
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Public
Grades 9-12
628 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.