Median Income
$51,000
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,300
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
627/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.6%
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Aurora Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population178
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density336/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,000
Per Capita$25,229
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,300
Ownership97.1%
Zillow$222,975
Housing Units86
Rent Burden24.4%
Crime
F
Violent627/100K
Property2,281/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.9%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,132 ft (345 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.6%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Aurora a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Aurora receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Aurora has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Aurora is $51,000, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Aurora is $93,300, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 627 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Aurora has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Aurora has a population of 178 with a density of 336 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
The median household income in Aurora is $51,000, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,229 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,000 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,229 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Aurora is $93,300, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,975, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 86 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,300 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,975 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.9% |
| Housing Units | 86 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.02% |
In Aurora, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.9% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582. The dentist ratio is 1:2,959. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Aurora vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,582 |
| Dentists | 1:2,959 |
| Mental Health | 1:690 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,284/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,281 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Aurora receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Aurora vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 626.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,281.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Aurora has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,132 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,132 ft (345 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 336/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6194°N, 91.7295°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buchanan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
561 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 434 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
95 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
17 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
30 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Aurora has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Aurora. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $687 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aurora
What is the population of Aurora?
Aurora has a population of 178 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 336 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Aurora expensive to live in?
Aurora is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,000, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,300 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Aurora safe?
Public safety is a concern in Aurora, with a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Aurora receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Aurora?
Aurora has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Aurora?
Aurora has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Aurora?
The median home value in Aurora is $93,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,975. The homeownership rate is 97.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Aurora?
Schools in Aurora score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.6% of adults in Aurora hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Aurora?
The obesity rate in Aurora is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582.
What is transportation like in Aurora?
The average commute in Aurora is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Aurora?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Aurora is 92.1% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
