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).
Where to stay in Aurora
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.