Aurora and Highlands Ranch are two notable cities in Colorado, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. While both lie within the metropolitan area of Denver, they offer different lifestyles and amenities. Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado, known for its diversity and outdoor recreational opportunities. On the other hand, Highlands Ranch is a suburb to the south of Denver, lauded for its infrastructure and quality of life. In comparing these two locales, this article will delve into aspects such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, among others.
Distance between
Aurora, CO and
Highlands Ranch, CO : 13.5 miles
Aurora's population is larger by 296%. Its population has grown by 112,954 people (40.9%) since 2000. The population of Highlands Ranch has grown by 27,308 people (38.5%) during that time.
Though crime rates tend to be higher in larger cities, Aurora has been working rigorously to bring down its numbers. Its crime rate, though higher than the national average, has seen a steady decline in recent years. Highlands Ranch, on the other hand, enjoys very low crime rates, with significantly less reported instances of violent crimes. Both cities participate in collaborative community efforts to ensure the safety of their residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living varies greatly between Aurora and Highlands Ranch. While Aurora carries a lower overall cost, Highlands Ranch tends to be more expensive due to its proximity to Denver and more robust infrastructure. The cost of housing is also significantly higher in Highlands Ranch.
Income Tax
Both Aurora and Highlands Ranch residents are subject to Colorado's flat rate state income tax of 4.63%. There is no additional city income tax.
Property Tax
Homeowners in both Aurora and Highlands Ranch are subject to Colorado's property tax, which is one of the lowest in the country. However, specific rates may vary based on location and the assessed value of the property.
Sales Tax
The city sales tax is 3.75% in Aurora and 2.5% in Highlands Ranch. Colorado's statewide sales tax is 2.9% which when combined with city taxes and other local taxes results in a total sales tax of approximately 8.5% in Aurora and 7.25% in Highlands Ranch.
Income
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Estimated median household income
$71,647
$137,241
Estimated per capita income
$35,054
$61,997
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
109.4
109.6
If you make $50,000 in Aurora, you will have to make $50,091 in Highlands Ranch to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities offer picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains and are near a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Highlands Ranch sits at a higher elevation and tends to be hillier than Aurora.
The quality of education is an important factor to consider when moving. Both cities fall under the Douglas County School District, which is known for its strong academic performance. Aurora houses many quality public and private schools, while Highlands Ranch is home to some of the top schools in the state.
Aurora’s economy is diverse, with large sectors in healthcare, education, and military. Highlands Ranch has a more white-collar workforce, with a focus on professional services like information technology and finance. Both cities have relatively low unemployment rates and are within commuting distance of Denver.
Biggest Employers
In Aurora, the biggest employers are The Anschutz Medical Campus, Buckley Space Force Base, and Aurora Public Schools. In Highlands Ranch, top employers are Douglas County School District, UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, and FirstBank.
In Aurora (Adams County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 40.4% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Highlands Ranch (Douglas County), 36.5% voted for Democrats and 62.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
2020
57.1%
45.6%
40.7%
52.8%
2.2%
1.6%
2016
50.1%
36.8%
41.6%
54.9%
8.3%
8.3%
2012
57.3%
36.5%
40.4%
62.4%
2.3%
1.1%
2008
58.5%
41.0%
40.1%
58.3%
1.4%
0.7%
2004
50.7%
32.8%
48.4%
66.6%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
50.3%
31.4%
44.2%
65.0%
5.5%
3.5%
1996
51.3%
31.2%
38.9%
61.8%
9.8%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.0%
7.8%
4.5%
2.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
3.3%
3.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
0.7%
7.8%
10.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.8%
2.5%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
3.3%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
1.2%
2.2%
Weather
Colorado is known for its varied seasons, and Aurora and Highlands Ranch are no different. Both cities enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine per year, with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. Highlands Ranch, located at a higher elevation, sees slightly chillier temperatures and more snowfall.
Weather and climate
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Temperature - Average
49.9°F
49.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
50.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
35.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.9 in
18.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
113.5 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
19.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in Aurora, Colorado
Average climate in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
2018
99
100
0.37
0.39
21.5
22.0
31.3
33.6
N/A
N/A
29.2
29.2
8.5
7.9
0.7
0.7
2017
95
95
0.37
0.39
21.9
22.3
31.1
34.0
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.0
8.5
8.0
0.9
0.9
2016
90
90
0.42
0.44
24.0
24.3
30.7
33.6
N/A
N/A
22.6
22.6
8.1
8.0
1.0
1.0
2015
101
101
0.44
0.45
22.8
23.7
29.5
32.2
N/A
N/A
20.6
20.7
9.5
9.6
1.1
1.1
2014
94
94
0.42
0.44
21.8
22.8
29.6
32.1
N/A
N/A
22.5
23.4
10.1
10.1
1.3
1.3
2013
84
85
0.39
0.40
19.6
20.4
29.9
33.0
N/A
N/A
21.9
22.8
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2012
90
91
0.35
0.34
18.9
18.9
30.8
33.4
N/A
N/A
24.2
24.5
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.3
2011
91
91
0.34
0.34
18.1
18.1
30.9
32.5
N/A
N/A
23.8
23.8
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2010
81
82
0.41
0.41
16.3
16.3
28.8
30.3
N/A
N/A
26.6
26.5
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
79
79
0.37
0.37
14.1
14.1
27.1
28.6
0.005
0.005
22.6
22.5
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2008
85
85
0.41
0.41
17.3
17.3
28.8
31.2
0.008
0.008
25.5
25.4
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2007
96
96
0.42
0.41
20.6
20.6
25.4
28.8
0.007
0.007
28.8
29.2
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.2
2006
89
89
0.50
0.49
19.0
19.0
25.0
28.2
0.027
0.022
28.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2005
86
86
0.57
0.56
21.3
21.3
22.5
24.2
0.109
0.098
29.6
29.7
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.5
2004
82
82
0.61
0.59
21.2
21.2
21.4
23.1
0.037
0.030
28.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.8
2003
106
106
0.62
0.58
21.2
21.2
23.1
25.0
0.040
0.032
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
2002
86
86
0.64
0.63
19.2
19.2
22.8
24.6
0.028
0.024
35.7
35.7
N/A
N/A
2.5
2.5
2001
95
95
0.79
0.78
24.0
25.8
20.4
22.8
0.030
0.025
32.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.6
2000
93
93
0.77
0.76
13.8
14.9
21.4
23.6
0.033
0.028
12.2
12.2
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
138.7%
121.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
796.4%
817.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
11%
Transportation
Aurora is serviced by two RTD light rail lines and several bus routes, making commuting relatively easy. Highlands Ranch, while not directly served by light rail, is conveniently located near major highways for quick access to Denver.
Transport
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
138
47
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
19
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Bicycle
0.6%
0.7%
Bus
1.7%
1%
Carpooled
9.3%
8.6%
Car alone
84.4%
87.6%
Subway
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.5%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Average
28.3 min
22.9 min
Other means
26.9 min
27.6 min
Public transportation
50.5 min
60.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
85.1%
92.4%
In 2 person carpool
10%
5.9%
In 3 person carpool
2.8%
0.7%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing is relatively more affordable in Aurora compared to Highlands Ranch. Both cities offer a variety of housing options, with Aurora offering more historical homes and Highlands Ranch showcasing newer development.
Neighborhoods
Aurora is known for its diversity and has several unique neighborhoods. Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community divided into four regions, each with its own amenities and character.
Houses and residents
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Houses
149,636
38,952
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.8
Median year apartment built
1986
1998
Median year house/condo built
1984
1997
Length of stay in the house since moving in
10.4 years
11.1 years
Houses occupied
140,003 (93.6%)
38,117 (97.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
89,615 (64%)
30,949 (81.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
50,388 (36%)
7,168 (18.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,036
$1,873
Median monthly housing costs
$1,526
$2,124
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$725,445
$1,294,382
Estimated median house or condo value
$411,400
$629,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
7.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
8
Median house price - detached houses
$500,029
$648,396
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$254,381
$386,926
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$231,026
$457,479
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$471,483
$490,992
Median house price - All housing units
$476,379
$624,988
Median house age
36
24
Renting percentage
40.1%
17.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,050.1
1,655.9
House value disparities
23.6%
17.9%
Household income disparities
41.5%
33.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$99,433
$165,397
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,316
$110,404
Housing units without a mortgage
424 (0.6%)
385 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
5,246 (7.8%)
2,116 (8.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
66,791 (99.4%)
24,006 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
176 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,860 (10.2%)
2,317 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
One, detached
52.6%
78.3%
One, attached
11.9%
5.7%
Two
0.2%
0.4%
3 or 4
4.2%
2.2%
5 to 9
7.1%
5.0%
10 to 19
11.0%
3.3%
20 to 49
5.5%
0.7%
50 or more
5.7%
4.4%
Mobile homes
1.7%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,677
3,455
State government workers
5,134
1,647
Unpaid family workers
0
44
Industries and Occupations
Many residents in Aurora work in healthcare, education, and retail. Highlands Ranch, on the other hand, has a high number of professionals in management, business, and finance.
Healthcare services are robust in both cities. Aurora is home to Anschutz Medical Campus, one of the largest and most comprehensive health facilities in the state. Highlands Ranch has UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, along with several other health facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Highlands Ranch is known for its infrastructure, including ample green space, well-kept roads, and access to utilities. Aurora, being a larger city, is undergoing development in some areas but still offers good amenities, including extensive park systems and greenbelts.
Infrastructure
Type
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
Hospitals
4
1
TV stations
15
15
Bank branches located here
77
24
Bank institutions located here
19
14
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Aurora
Highlands Ranch
1999
1,737
189
2000
1,460
0
2001
1,056
0
2002
635
0
2003
1,276
200
2004
2,052
269
2005
3,087
331
2006
2,880
265
2007
1,693
163
2008
782
117
2009
302
55
Culture and Food
Aurora is known for its rich culture and food scene, hosting a variety of restaurants and ethnic cuisines. Highlands Ranch, while smaller, offers a mix of dining experiences and has several local festivals each year.
Sports Teams
Neither city has a major sports team, but both are within close distance to Denver, which is home to the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche.
Aurora, CO
Highlands Ranch, CO
