Aurora

The City in Brief

Founded: 1834 (incorporated 1845)

Head Official: Mayor Tom Wesiner (D) (since 2005)

City Population

1980: 81,293

1990: 100,279

2000: 142,990

2003 estimate: 162,184

Percent change, 1990–2000: 42.6%

U.S. rank in 1990: 201st (State rank: 3rd)

U.S. rank in 2000: 147th (State rank: 3rd)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 7,937,000

1990: 8,066,000

2000: 9,157,540

Percent change, 1990–2000: 11.1%

U.S. rank in 1990: 3rd

U.S. rank in 2000: 3rd

Area: 38.5 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Average 676 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 47.9° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38.4 inches

Major Economic Sectors: manufacturing, retail, entertainment

Unemployment Rate: 6.3% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $22,131 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: Not reported

Major Colleges and Universities: Aurora University, Waubonsee Community College

Daily Newspaper: The Beacon News