Under the direction of the Mayor, the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (MOED) shapes and implements well-planned and inclusive economic growth throughout the City of Aurora. MOED works in tandem with other City departments and closely with key communities and other groups that foster economic prosperity. The group assimilates well-defined and forward-thinking goals of the administration and then strategically plans and executes them in ways that benefit all Aurora stakeholders.

Why Aurora?

The City of Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of over 200,000. Aurora has long been a transportation hub with easy access to Interstate 88, two Metra stations, a regional airport, four Higher Education Institutions, 14 business parks, and a 130+ mile fiber network. Aurora has become a commercial and entertainment destination, in addition to having a rich manufacturing history and strong industrial roots. Emerging from the industrial recession of the 1980s, Aurora is experiencing an astounding revitalization with expanding commercial and industrial development, riverfront and downtown redevelopment, and an eclectic cultural scene.

Demographics

Aurora is a city located in Illinois. With a 2020 population of 194,873, it is the 2nd largest city in Illinois (after Chicago). Spanning over 46 miles, Aurora has a population density of 4,330 people per square mile. The average household income in Aurora is $94,667, with a poverty rate of 11.40%. The median rental costs in recent years have come to $1,228 per month, and the median house value is $184,400. The median age in Aurora is 33.9 years. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Aurora was:

59.49% White

17.02% Other Race

10.09% Black or African American

8.86% Asian

3.89% Two or More Races

0.53% Native American

0.12% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander