Median Income
$90,612
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$219,100
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
121/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
44.1%
31% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$829
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.8%
94% lower than US avg
How Aurora Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,407
Median Age29.7 yrs
Density1,675/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,612
Per Capita$37,767
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.8%
County GDP$3,062M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$219,100
Rent$829
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$290,348
Housing Units638
Rent Burden24.4%
Crime
F
Violent121/100K
Property1,525/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking13.4%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain25.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,627 ft (496 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+44.1%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score6.13
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 40%
Commute17 min
Broadband94.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Aurora a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Aurora receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Aurora offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Aurora is $90,612, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Aurora is $219,100, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Aurora is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,525 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Aurora has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.2 inches, including 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Aurora has a population of 1,407 with a density of 1,675 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 29.7 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89.4%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents, while 10% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.7yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.0%
25% below US avg
The median household income in Aurora is $90,612, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,767. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,382 business establishments, including 89 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,612 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,767 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,411 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,382 |
| County GDP | $3,062M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 89 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 110 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,740 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 11.2% |
The median home value in Aurora is $219,100, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,348, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $829 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $768 for a one-bedroom to $929 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 638 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $5,740 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $219,100 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,348 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $829 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $641 |
| 1 Bedroom | $768 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $929 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,289 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,438 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 638 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,740 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.62% |
In Aurora, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,732. The dentist ratio is 1:2,218. 85.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Aurora vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,732 |
| Dentists | 1:2,218 |
| Mental Health | 1:620 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,178/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,525 per 100,000, 22% below 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 | 121.0/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,525.2/100K |
| 22% below 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 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 25.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,627 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,627 ft (496 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,675/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2833°N, 96.6829°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brookings County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.2"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0424 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
497 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 450 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
75 km |
9 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Aurora has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aurora
What is the population of Aurora?
Aurora has a population of 1,407 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,675 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Aurora expensive to live in?
Aurora is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $90,612, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $219,100 (22% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Aurora safe?
Aurora is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,525 per 100,000 (below 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 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.2 inches, with 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Aurora?
The job market in Aurora is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 1,382 business establishments in the area, including 89 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 11.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Aurora?
The median home value in Aurora is $219,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,348. For renters, the median monthly rent is $829. Fair market rent is $768 for a 1-bedroom and $929 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,740.
How are the schools in Aurora?
Schools in Aurora score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 44.1% of adults in Aurora hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Aurora?
The obesity rate in Aurora is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 85.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,732.
What is transportation like in Aurora?
The average commute in Aurora is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 11.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Aurora?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Aurora is 89.4% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 90% of residents speak only English at home, while 10% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 4.1% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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