Both Jacksonville, Florida and Aurora, Colorado are major cities in their respective states - with diverse populations, flourishing economies, and unique cultural attractions. However, they differ remarkably in aspects such as climate, cost of living, education, and local industries. This comparison intends to encapsulate these differences, offering an objective analysis for individuals looking to relocate or visit these cities.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Aurora, CO : 1,455.5 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 145%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Aurora has grown by 112,954 people (40.9%) during that time.
In terms of crime and safety, Jacksonville, FL has higher crime rates compared to Aurora, CO. While both cities have put significant effort into reducing crime rates, it is important for potential residents and tourists to remain vigilant at all times. For those highly concerned with safety, Aurora might be more appealing.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Jacksonville is generally lower than Aurora. Housing is particularly more affordable in Jacksonville, which can be a decisive factor for those planning to move. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities also trend lower in Jacksonville than Aurora.
Income Tax
Florida does not have a state income tax which benefits Jacksonville residents. In contrast, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%.
Property Tax
Jacksonville, Florida, has an average property tax rate of 0.98%, which is lower compared to the national average. In Aurora, the average property tax rate is approximately 0.62%.
Sales Tax
Florida, including Jacksonville, does not impose a state income tax, making it an attractive option for those seeking financial efficiency. Sales tax in Jacksonville is 7%. Aurora, in Colorado, has a combined sales tax rate of 8.5%.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$71,647
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$35,054
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
109.4
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $61,948 in Aurora to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Jacksonville is defined by its vast coastlines and river systems, while Aurora enjoys a more mountainous landscape, closely located to the famous Rocky Mountains.
As for education, both cities offer a range of public and private schools, as well as higher education options. However, Aurora is located near Boulder and Denver, known for their esteemed universities and colleges. For families prioritizing education, Aurora's proximity to these educational hubs may be a significant advantage.
Both Jacksonville and Aurora boast robust economies with plenty of job opportunities. However, Jacksonville's economy is more diversified with strong healthcare, finance, logistics, and aviation industries. Aurora has a strong focus on aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
In Jacksonville, some of the largest employers include Naval Air Station, Mayo Clinic, and Bank of America. While in Aurora, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Buckley Air Force Base, and Children's Hospital Colorado top the list of employers.
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Aurora (Adams County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 40.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
2020
51.3%
57.1%
47.5%
40.7%
1.2%
2.2%
2016
47.2%
50.1%
48.6%
41.6%
4.2%
8.3%
2012
47.9%
57.3%
51.5%
40.4%
0.6%
2.3%
2008
49.0%
58.5%
51.0%
40.1%
0.0%
1.4%
2004
41.7%
50.7%
57.9%
48.4%
0.3%
0.9%
2000
40.9%
50.3%
57.7%
44.2%
1.4%
5.5%
1996
44.2%
51.3%
50.0%
38.9%
5.8%
9.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
0.7%
22.3%
7.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
16.0%
2.8%
4.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.1%
2.3%
1.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.1%
0.6%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
2.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
0.7%
3.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.4%
3.3%
Weather
Weather-wise, Jacksonville enjoys a more tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Conversely, Aurora has a semi-arid climate, experiencing hot, dry summers, and cold, snowy winters. If you prefer a beach-oriented lifestyle, Jacksonville is ideal, but if you have an affinity for snow activities or a cooler climate, Aurora should be your choice.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
49.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
16.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
64%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Aurora, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
Jacksonville
Aurora
2018
78
99
N/A
0.37
21.5
N/A
24.5
31.3
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
7.1
8.5
N/A
0.7
2017
74
95
N/A
0.37
21.9
N/A
24.7
31.1
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
5.8
8.5
0.7
0.9
2016
65
90
0.50
0.42
24.0
N/A
24.9
30.7
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
5.2
8.1
0.4
1.0
2015
63
101
0.35
0.44
22.8
N/A
25.4
29.5
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
4.9
9.5
0.3
1.1
2014
66
94
0.27
0.42
21.8
N/A
24.3
29.6
N/A
N/A
22.5
N/A
5.9
10.1
0.7
1.3
2013
68
84
0.18
0.39
19.6
N/A
23.0
29.9
N/A
N/A
21.9
N/A
5.3
N/A
0.7
1.4
2012
66
90
0.10
0.35
18.9
N/A
24.0
30.8
N/A
N/A
24.2
N/A
5.8
N/A
0.6
1.2
2011
88
91
0.28
0.34
18.1
N/A
26.6
30.9
N/A
N/A
23.8
N/A
8.1
N/A
0.8
1.5
2010
77
81
0.31
0.41
16.3
N/A
26.4
28.8
N/A
N/A
26.6
N/A
7.1
N/A
0.8
1.0
2009
72
79
0.16
0.37
14.1
N/A
25.0
27.1
N/A
0.005
22.6
N/A
8.5
N/A
0.6
1.3
2008
75
85
0.15
0.41
17.3
N/A
27.6
28.8
N/A
0.008
25.5
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.9
1.6
2007
92
96
0.29
0.42
20.6
N/A
28.4
25.4
N/A
0.007
28.8
N/A
11.4
N/A
1.2
1.2
2006
87
89
0.35
0.50
19.0
N/A
29.0
25.0
N/A
0.027
28.0
N/A
10.8
N/A
1.4
1.4
2005
93
86
0.42
0.57
21.3
N/A
26.5
22.5
N/A
0.109
29.6
N/A
12.2
N/A
1.8
1.5
2004
92
82
0.40
0.61
21.2
N/A
25.2
21.4
N/A
0.037
28.6
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.4
1.8
2003
55
106
0.43
0.62
21.2
N/A
21.6
23.1
N/A
0.040
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.9
2002
59
86
0.49
0.64
19.2
N/A
22.2
22.8
0.003
0.028
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.5
2001
74
95
0.49
0.79
24.0
N/A
24.0
20.4
0.009
0.030
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
2.6
2000
85
93
0.52
0.77
13.8
N/A
25.1
21.4
0.017
0.033
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
138.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
796.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
11%
Transportation
Aurora, being near Denver, has an effective public transportation system including light rail and buses. Jacksonville, while having public transit options, is more car-oriented.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
566
138
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
1.1%
1.7%
Carpooled
9%
9.3%
Car alone
86.5%
84.4%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Subway
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.2%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Average
27.5 min
28.3 min
Other means
25 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
50.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
85.1%
In 2 person carpool
8%
10%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
2.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
1.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Jacksonville is generally more affordable than Aurora. Home prices as well as rental costs trend lower, making it an attractive option for home buyers or renters looking for a more cost-effective city.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a diversity of neighborhoods to suit differing lifestyles. In Jacksonville, beaches pose a major attraction with neighborhoods like Jacksonville Beach being in high demand. Aurora offers neighborhood diversity too, with areas like Pheasant Run attracting families due to its strong school systems.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Houses
422,315
149,636
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.7
Median year apartment built
1985
1986
Median year house/condo built
1987
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
10.4 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
140,003 (93.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
89,615 (64%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
50,388 (36%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$2,036
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,526
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$725,445
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$411,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$500,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$384,060
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$254,381
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$231,026
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$130,226
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$471,483
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$476,379
Median house age
36
36
Renting percentage
38.3%
40.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
1,050.1
House value disparities
33.2%
23.6%
Household income disparities
44.2%
41.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$99,433
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$63,316
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
424 (0.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
5,246 (7.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
66,791 (99.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
176 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
6,860 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Aurora
One, detached
59.4%
52.6%
One, attached
6.1%
11.9%
Two
2.1%
0.2%
3 or 4
5.3%
4.2%
5 to 9
5.0%
7.1%
10 to 19
7.9%
11.0%
20 to 49
4.9%
5.5%
50 or more
5.3%
5.7%
Mobile homes
3.8%
1.7%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,601
13,677
State government workers
13,692
5,134
Unpaid family workers
1,066
0
Industries and Occupations
Jacksonville has a diverse economy with its top industries being healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, finance, and insurance. On the other hand, Aurora, being part of the Denver Metropolitan Area, has a strong focus on the aerospace, defense, bioscience, and healthcare industries.
Both cities offer extensive healthcare facilities, but Jacksonville is home to the renowned Mayo Clinic, providing world-class medical services. Aurora also offers excellent healthcare facilities and is home to the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Jacksonville boasts well-developed infrastructures, featuring an efficient highway system, reliable electricity and water supply, and well-planned residential areas. Aurora also offers solid infrastructure, with extensive biking paths and impressive park systems, making it more environmentally friendly.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Aurora
Hospitals
25
4
TV stations
17
15
Bank branches located here
191
77
Bank institutions located here
31
19
Main business address for public companies
23
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Aurora
1999
5,422
1,737
2000
4,132
1,460
2001
3,038
1,056
2002
2,017
635
2003
3,563
1,276
2004
4,781
2,052
2005
7,134
3,087
2006
8,812
2,880
2007
5,298
1,693
2008
1,719
782
2009
676
302
Culture and Food
Jacksonville, being in the south, offers distinct southern charm with a vibrant food scene featuring a mix of traditional southern cuisine and seafood. Aurora, owing to its diverse population, offers a rich variety of international foods, especially Mexican and Korean options.
Sports Teams
Jacksonville hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL). Aurora does not have its own major sports team but is close to Denver, which is home to the Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Rockies (MLB).
Jacksonville, FL
Aurora, CO
