Aurora, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Aurora, Illinois is 179,867 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $90,109, the median home value is $260,400, and the median age is 35.2.
The population has declined 8.8% since 2010 (198,207 → 180,710).
179,867
Population
3992
People / sq mi
$90,109
Median Income
$260,400
Median Home Value
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Aurora covers 45.1 sq mi of land at 3992 people per square mile.
About Aurora, IL
Aurora is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.9% of the population. Aurora is a city in Illinois with a population of 179,867. It is the #2-largest of all cities in Illinois nationally.
The typical household here earns about $90,109, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $260,400, with typical rent around $1,535.
37.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average of 35.0%. About 14.5% of the workforce is home-based, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Aurora city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Aurora city had a population of 198,207 in 2010 and 180,710 in 2024, a -8.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 200,799 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.63%.
180,710
Population (2024)
198,207
Population (2010)
200,799
Peak (2016)
-0.63%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 198,207 |
| 2011 | 199,150 |
| 2012 | 199,648 |
| 2013 | 199,803 |
| 2014 | 200,189 |
| 2015 | 200,315 |
| 2016 | 200,799 |
| 2017 | 200,391 |
| 2018 | 199,199 |
| 2019 | 197,757 |
| 2020 | 180,260 |
| 2021 | 179,448 |
| 2022 | 179,195 |
| 2023 | 179,660 |
| 2024 | 180,710 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 42.2% |
| Black or African American | 10.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$90,109
Median Household Income
$39,604
Per Capita Income
8.0%
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$260,400
Median Home Value
$1,535
Median Rent
66.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
82.1%
High School+
37.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.6%
Drive Alone
67.7%
Public Transit
14.5%
Work From Home
28.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
13.9%
Foreign Born
53.3%
Non-English at Home
3.3%
Veterans
9.1%
With Disability
90.3%
Health Insurance
96.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 14.0% |
| Manufacturing | 13.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.5% |
| Information | 7.6% |
| Retail Trade | 7.4% |
| Construction | 5.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.9% |
| Public Administration | 2.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Illinois
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City rankings
Common questions about Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Aurora, Illinois has a population of 179,867 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Aurora, Illinois is $90,109, with 8.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Aurora, Illinois is $260,400, with median monthly rent at $1,535 and a homeownership rate of 66.8%.
The median age in Aurora, Illinois is 35.2 years. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The population has declined 8.8% since 2010 (198,207 → 180,710).
Aurora city, IL Climate
Aurora city, IL has an average annual temperature of 9.6°C (49°F) and receives about 950 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.6°C
Avg Temp
950
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 40 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 36 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 65 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 98 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 98 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 108 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 99 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 105 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 96 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 68 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 78 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 59 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Aurora city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Aurora city, IL are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Aurora
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.