Columbus, OH and Aurora, IL are two American cities that offer distinct living experiences. As the capital and largest city of Ohio, Columbus demonstrates a blend of urban and suburban lifestyles, while Aurora, known as the "City of Lights," is located 40 miles west of Chicago and is the second largest city in Illinois. Each city has its unique strengths and weaknesses in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and several other factors. Consequently, the choice between the two largely depends on one's personal preferences and priorities.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Aurora, IL : 303.0 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 406%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Aurora has grown by 36,276 people (25.4%) during that time.
When comparing crime rates, Columbus has been reported to have a higher crime rate than Aurora. Aurora's dedicated community policing efforts have led to substantial reductions in crime over the years. However, it's important to note that crime can fluctuate and vary by neighborhood in both cities. It's always advised to research specific neighborhoods before relocating.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 250 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Aurora is 788 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Columbus than in Aurora.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Columbus tends to be lower than in Aurora. Housing, in particular, is more affordable in Columbus. However, both cities have cost of living indices above the national average. House prices, rent, groceries, and transportation costs are all factors to take into consideration.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, Ohio’s rate ranges from 0% to 4.797% while Illinois has a flat rate of 4.95%. However, Columbus has an additional 2.5% municipal income tax.
Property Tax
For property taxes, Illinois has one of the highest rates in the country, significantly higher than Ohio, which ultimately makes property taxes higher in Aurora compared to Columbus.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is slightly higher in Aurora with Illinois' state sales tax at 6.25% compared to Ohio's 5.75%. However, both cities also impose their own additional sales tax, resulting in Columbus’s total rate being 7.5% and Aurora's 8%.
Income
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$83,996
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$34,054
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
100.6
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $52,341 in Aurora to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus, located in central Ohio, is characterized by flat terrain and various waterways including the Scioto and Olentangy rivers. Aurora, by contrast, is nestled along the Fox River and has more diverse geography with forest preserves, rivers, and parklands.
Both Columbus and Aurora have numerous public and private schools, with varying levels of educational achievements. Aurora's schools are part of Aurora Public School District 129, and it is also home to Aurora University. Columbus City Schools is the largest school district in Ohio, and the city is home to the renowned Ohio State University.
Columbus has a diversified economy with sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance being the dominant players. Aurora's economy is diverse as well, with manufacturing, retail, and healthcare leading the way. Aurora is also strategically located near Chicago, providing additional job opportunities.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, the largest employers are the State of Ohio, The Ohio State University, and Nationwide Insurance. In Aurora, the biggest employers are Caterpillar, Inc., Advocate Aurora Health, and the Indian Prairie School District.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 55 building permits issued in Aurora in 2012 (12 less than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Aurora (Kane County), 49.7% voted for Democrats and 48.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Aurora
Columbus
Aurora
Columbus
Aurora
2020
64.7%
56.3%
33.4%
41.9%
1.9%
1.8%
2016
59.8%
52.0%
33.9%
41.5%
6.2%
6.4%
2012
60.8%
49.7%
37.9%
48.6%
1.3%
1.6%
2008
59.8%
55.4%
39.0%
43.6%
1.2%
1.0%
2004
54.5%
44.1%
45.2%
55.1%
0.3%
0.8%
2000
48.9%
42.5%
47.9%
54.5%
3.2%
3.0%
1996
48.1%
41.8%
44.5%
47.4%
7.3%
10.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Aurora
Columbus
Aurora
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
30.2%
5.6%
8.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
1.8%
3.7%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.5%
6.8%
4.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
2.6%
1.9%
1.2%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.2%
1.2%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.9%
3.3%
3.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.3%
2.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
2.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
2.6%
1.0%
6.1%
Weather
In terms of weather, Columbus and Aurora have fairly similar climates as they both experience four distinct seasons. Winters can be quite chilly and summers can be hot and humid. However, Aurora typically sees more snow during the winter season compared to Columbus.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
48°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
75.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
31.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
85.3%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
38.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
77.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
14.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
56.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
33%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
35%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
10.7 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Aurora, Illinois
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Aurora
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Aurora
Columbus
Aurora
Columbus
Aurora
Columbus
Aurora
2018
69
85
0.11
N/A
10.0
N/A
33.8
26.6
N/A
23.9
6.0
10.6
0.0
0.9
2017
68
76
0.16
N/A
9.6
N/A
28.7
27.8
N/A
26.2
5.5
N/A
0.1
1.0
2016
76
77
0.17
N/A
10.6
N/A
28.5
27.6
N/A
27.7
5.6
N/A
0.1
0.5
2015
74
76
0.16
N/A
11.3
N/A
27.0
26.3
N/A
36.0
6.1
N/A
0.1
1.5
2014
82
72
0.20
N/A
11.0
N/A
28.5
24.8
N/A
46.2
7.4
N/A
0.5
1.0
2013
78
72
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
29.6
24.3
N/A
N/A
7.8
N/A
0.6
2.1
2012
87
87
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
25.7
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.3
N/A
2.5
2011
89
82
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.1
24.6
N/A
26.9
8.9
12.8
N/A
3.1
2010
90
87
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.5
24.3
N/A
26.5
9.1
12.6
N/A
2.7
2009
61
94
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
21.7
N/A
26.4
N/A
13.2
N/A
2.7
2008
65
87
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
22.4
N/A
29.0
N/A
11.8
1.8
4.2
2007
80
111
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.8
23.6
N/A
32.6
N/A
12.7
2.8
4.8
2006
75
68
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.0
20.2
23.7
32.1
N/A
N/A
3.3
4.3
2005
87
84
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.6
22.7
27.5
32.0
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.7
2004
77
71
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.8
19.8
24.6
32.8
N/A
N/A
4.4
4.5
2003
91
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
20.2
23.9
31.8
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.0
2002
93
90
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.3
21.2
25.7
37.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.6
2001
84
85
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
20.6
25.9
37.8
N/A
N/A
3.5
5.4
2000
57
64
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.4
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
4.2
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
153.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
154.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
15%
Transportation
Columbus has a more extensive public transportation system provided by Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), while Aurora has Metra rail service and Pace bus service. In both cities, personal vehicles are the most common mode of commuting to work.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
415
30
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Bicycle
0.6%
0.2%
Bus
1.6%
0.3%
Carpooled
7.4%
11%
Car alone
86.7%
85.1%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2.2%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Average
26.1 min
27 min
Other means
21.7 min
28.1 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
61.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Average
1.1
1.3
Drove alone
90.7%
86.1%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
9.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
2.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Columbus real estate market is known to have a higher median home price than Aurora. However, Aurora’s real estate market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, and offers a range of housing options from historical homes to new developments.
Neighborhoods
Columbus has a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods each with unique characteristics and attractions. From the charming German Village to lively Short North Arts District, options are plenty. Aurora, on the other hand, is known for its peaceful residential areas and its historic downtown which is a local cultural hub.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Houses
422,120
64,677
Average household size (people)
2.3
3.1
Median year apartment built
1982
1977
Median year house/condo built
1977
1990
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
13.1 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
62,379 (96.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
43,361 (69.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
19,018 (30.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$1,534
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,408
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$92,244
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$232,400
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$255,964
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$145,729
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$141,854
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$103,693
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$317,080
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$202,183
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$240,490
Median house age
42
34
Renting percentage
53%
30.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,678.8
House value disparities
30.2%
26.4%
Household income disparities
42.4%
40.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$112,817
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$76,448
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
296 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
1,148 (3.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
30,127 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
1,552 (5.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Aurora
One, detached
45.8%
59.3%
One, attached
9.1%
16.8%
Two
4.0%
3.6%
3 or 4
8.6%
3.4%
5 to 9
11.8%
3.5%
10 to 19
8.6%
6.0%
20 to 49
4.5%
2.2%
50 or more
6.8%
4.8%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
3,558
State government workers
31,881
1,410
Unpaid family workers
724
54
Industries and Occupations
In Columbus, the most popular industries include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and education services. On the other hand, in Aurora, manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance are the most common industries.
Healthcare in both Columbus and Aurora is high-quality, with numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities. Columbus is known for the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital. In Aurora, notable hospitals include the Rush Copley Medical Center and Advocate Dreyer.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Aurora
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Columbus is a more densely populated, larger city with a more developed infrastructure that includes multiple interstates, airports, and bus services. Aurora, while smaller, has a decent infrastructure including Metra train service, bus lines, and easy access to several major interstates.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Aurora
Hospitals
47
5
TV stations
14
27
Bank branches located here
200
45
Bank institutions located here
25
19
Main business address for public companies
23
3
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Aurora
1999
2,450
182
2000
2,376
240
2001
1,897
182
2002
1,483
191
2003
2,087
363
2004
3,216
683
2005
4,275
1,038
2006
4,662
1,182
2007
2,679
627
2008
1,015
211
2009
555
89
Culture and Food
Columbus boasts a diverse culinary scene with an array of international foods available, plus a significant craft brew scene. Aurora also has a varied gastronomy, with a strong influence from its sizable Latino community. Both cities offer various cultural and arts venues and events throughout the year.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Columbus is home to NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew. Aurora does not have its own professional sports teams but residents can easily support Chicago-based teams given the city’s proximity.
Columbus, OH
Aurora, IL
