Aurora, IL Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Illinois by population · 29 cities ranked
Aurora is the 2nd largest city in Illinois by population and ranks 15th of 29 for median household income. With 179,867 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 15 other Illinois cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
179,867
49.6% male · 50.4% female
Median Age
35.2
3.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$11,571 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
37.2%
2.2% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 82.1%
Poverty Rate
9.8%
2.6% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.7%
Broadband Access
96.8%
7.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$260,400
Median rent: $1,535 · 67% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Labor force participation: 68.2%
Per Capita Income
$42,393
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.3%
Disability rate: 9.1%
How Aurora Compares to Other Illinois Cities
Rankings among all 29 Illinois cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 29 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 15th of 29 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 14th of 29 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 20th of 29 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 18th of 29 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Aurora, IL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Aurora, IL?
The population of Aurora, IL is 179,867 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.2 years.
What is the median household income in Aurora?
The median household income in Aurora, IL is $90,109, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $42,393.
What is the poverty rate in Aurora?
The poverty rate in Aurora, IL is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Aurora residents have a college degree?
37.2% of adults (25+) in Aurora hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 82.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Aurora?
The median home value in Aurora, IL is $260,400. Median rent is $1,535 per month, with 67% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Aurora?
Aurora's population is 42.2% White, 10.9% Black, 42.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 11.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Aurora rank among Illinois cities?
Aurora is the 2nd largest city in Illinois by population, the 15th highest for median household income, the 14th lowest for poverty rate, the 20th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 29 ranked Illinois cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Aurora?
The unemployment rate in Aurora, IL is 5.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 68.2%. Per capita income is $42,393.
Cities Similar to Aurora
Other Illinois cities with comparable population and income levels.