Aurora IL

In Aurora, the rent-to-income burden runs around 18% — refreshingly manageable by national standards. Median income sits at $64,528 and median rent is $991/month. 46% of renters are cost-burdened (30%+ of income on housing). Landlords are winning; everyone else is treading water. Median home value: $158,900 — that's 2.5× the median income. 71% of households own their home — unusually high for a major US city. Residents put down roots here. Only 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. The economy runs on trades, logistics, and service work — and the wages reflect that. Employment picture: 7.05% unemployment — a average employment landscape. Poverty rate: 14.6%. Average commute: 24 minutes — acceptable. Violent crime: 24.8/100k avg monthly rate (1225 reported); Property crime: 90.8/100k avg monthly rate (4493 reported). Aurora was founded in 1835 — that's 191 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 45.8 sq miles at 541 people/sq mile — sprawling. Elevation: 722 ft — modest elevation. RoastMyCity overall score: 67/100 — It Depends.