Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Aurora, Colorado are both dynamic cities with their unique strengths and points of interest. Oklahoma City offers a lower cost of living, a diverse economic landscape and strong sports culture. Aurora, on the other hand, stands out with its strong educational institutions, favorable weather, and high healthcare quality. However, every aspect of these cities including crime and safety, transportation, culture and food, and others come into play when you want to decide between Oklahoma City or Aurora either for relocating or visiting.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
Aurora, CO : 493.0 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 77%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of Aurora has grown by 112,954 people (40.9%) during that time.
Oklahoma City has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, and significantly higher than Aurora. Aurora, a city known for its relative safety, still experiences crime, but at a much lower rate. For tourists and residents alike, the sense of safety is stronger in Aurora. However, it's important to remember that crime can occur anywhere and every individual's experience can vary.
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 1,388 registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma City and 1,043 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 460 to 1; the ratio in Aurora is 347 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Oklahoma City than in Aurora.
Cost of Living
One of the major draws of Oklahoma City is its significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average. This includes cheaper housing, groceries, and healthcare. On the contrary, Aurora has a relatively high cost of living, with housing being the largest factor. For those considering relocation, Oklahoma City presents a more wallet-friendly option.
Income Tax
Oklahoma imposes a state income tax, while Colorado has a slightly higher flat income tax rate. Again, the total income tax paid can vary depending on personal circumstances and deductions.
Property Tax
Property taxes are significantly lower in Oklahoma City than in Aurora. This can greatly affect the cost of home ownership in the two cities.
Sales Tax
Oklahoma City has a slightly lower sales tax than Aurora. However, the total amount of sales tax paid can vary depending on the specific purchases and exemptions.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$71,647
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$35,054
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
109.4
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $64,052 in Aurora to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City is mostly flat with few natural landmarks, its geographical conditions are defined by its susceptibility to frequent and severe weather conditions like tornadoes. Aurora, located near the Rocky Mountains, offers beautiful landscapes and proximity to outdoor recreational activities.
Aurora fares better in terms of education with high-ranking public schools and the presence of esteemed higher education institutions. Oklahoma City has made strides in improving education but still falls behind. Both cities have their own unique special education programs, gifted programs, and charter schools.
Oklahoma City has a diverse economy with sectors like aviation, biotechnology, and healthcare performing well. Aurora has a strong economy backed by the military, healthcare, and technology sectors. Both cities offer decent employment prospects, but job growth rate is slightly higher in Aurora.
Biggest Employers
In Oklahoma City, the largest employers include the State of Oklahoma, the Federal Government, and Integris Health. In Aurora, top employers include Buckley Air Force Base, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Raytheon.
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% 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
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
2020
48.1%
57.1%
49.2%
40.7%
2.7%
2.2%
2016
41.2%
50.1%
51.7%
41.6%
7.1%
8.3%
2012
41.7%
57.3%
58.3%
40.4%
0.0%
2.3%
2008
41.6%
58.5%
58.4%
40.1%
0.0%
1.4%
2004
35.8%
50.7%
64.2%
48.4%
0.0%
0.9%
2000
36.6%
50.3%
62.3%
44.2%
1.1%
5.5%
1996
36.5%
51.3%
54.7%
38.9%
8.8%
9.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
0.7%
20.0%
7.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
16.0%
3.0%
4.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
1.3%
1.2%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.2%
2.9%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.0%
3.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.5%
3.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.1%
0.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.1%
0.6%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.4%
0.9%
2.5%
Weather
Oklahoma City has a subtropical climate with extremely hot summers and cold winters. It's prone to severe weather conditions including thunderstorms and tornadoes. Aurora, being in Colorado, experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but not as hot as Oklahoma City, and winters can be cold and snowy. Aurora offers more pleasant weather conditions for both residents and tourists.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
49.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
16.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
64%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Aurora, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Oklahoma City
Aurora
2018
85
99
0.29
0.37
6.6
21.5
31.9
31.3
0.002
N/A
21.3
29.2
9.6
8.5
0.0
0.7
2017
82
95
0.32
0.37
6.7
21.9
33.0
31.1
0.002
N/A
20.7
22.0
8.9
8.5
0.0
0.9
2016
72
90
0.29
0.42
6.6
24.0
31.9
30.7
0.002
N/A
19.4
22.6
8.5
8.1
0.2
1.0
2015
76
101
0.24
0.44
7.0
22.8
31.5
29.5
0.002
N/A
19.1
20.6
7.8
9.5
0.5
1.1
2014
84
94
0.15
0.42
7.1
21.8
32.4
29.6
0.002
N/A
N/A
22.5
8.7
10.1
0.1
1.3
2013
84
84
0.14
0.39
8.6
19.6
32.8
29.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
21.9
9.3
N/A
0.2
1.4
2012
97
90
0.13
0.35
9.4
18.9
34.0
30.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
24.2
7.9
N/A
0.3
1.2
2011
107
91
0.24
0.34
9.9
18.1
36.3
30.9
0.003
N/A
N/A
23.8
9.9
N/A
0.8
1.5
2010
81
81
0.30
0.41
8.8
16.3
31.7
28.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
26.6
9.8
N/A
0.7
1.0
2009
82
79
0.52
0.37
8.1
14.1
31.9
27.1
0.002
0.005
N/A
22.6
10.2
N/A
0.7
1.3
2008
78
85
0.51
0.41
9.8
17.3
31.0
28.8
N/A
0.008
N/A
25.5
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.6
2007
81
96
0.44
0.42
10.2
20.6
29.4
25.4
N/A
0.007
N/A
28.8
N/A
N/A
2.0
1.2
2006
95
89
0.43
0.50
10.1
19.0
33.7
25.0
N/A
0.027
N/A
28.0
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.4
2005
88
86
0.38
0.57
11.6
21.3
31.0
22.5
N/A
0.109
N/A
29.6
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.5
2004
75
82
0.46
0.61
10.5
21.2
28.6
21.4
N/A
0.037
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
0.6
1.8
2003
87
106
0.42
0.62
10.9
21.2
30.8
23.1
N/A
0.040
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2002
91
86
0.35
0.64
14.3
19.2
29.0
22.8
N/A
0.028
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
2.0
2.5
2001
87
95
0.69
0.79
13.1
24.0
31.0
20.4
N/A
0.030
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
1.8
2.6
2000
89
93
0.66
0.77
13.4
13.8
29.5
21.4
N/A
0.033
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
3.0
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
138.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
796.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
11%
Transportation
Oklahoma City offers a blend of buses, taxis and light rail for public transport. Aurora offers extensive public transit through buses and light rail system. Commute times can be relatively higher in Oklahoma City than in Aurora.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
0
138
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
0.3%
1.7%
Carpooled
8.6%
9.3%
Car alone
87.6%
84.4%
Subway
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.4%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Average
25.6 min
28.3 min
Other means
21 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
50.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
85.1%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
10%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
2.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
1.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
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 prices are significantly lower in Oklahoma City than in Aurora. The median home price in Oklahoma City is below the national average, making it an affordable place for relocation. However, Aurora has experienced a boom in real estate in recent years, increasing housing costs.
Neighborhoods
Oklahoma City is home to diverse neighborhoods, each with a unique cultural and historical backdrop. Aurora is known for its inclusive, family-friendly neighborhoods that offer a high quality of life for its residents.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Houses
302,241
149,636
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.7
Median year apartment built
1978
1986
Median year house/condo built
1986
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
10.4 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
140,003 (93.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
89,615 (64%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
50,388 (36%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$2,036
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$1,526
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$725,445
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$411,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$500,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$384,060
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$254,381
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$231,026
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$130,226
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$67,765
$160,380
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$471,483
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$476,379
Median house age
40
36
Renting percentage
40.3%
40.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
1,050.1
House value disparities
34.7%
23.6%
Household income disparities
44.3%
41.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$99,433
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$63,316
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
424 (0.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
5,246 (7.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
66,791 (99.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
176 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
6,860 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
Aurora
One, detached
67.8%
52.6%
One, attached
3.4%
11.9%
Two
2.0%
0.2%
3 or 4
5.1%
4.2%
5 to 9
6.0%
7.1%
10 to 19
5.6%
11.0%
20 to 49
2.4%
5.5%
50 or more
4.6%
5.7%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.7%
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
20,964
13,677
State government workers
17,132
5,134
Unpaid family workers
555
0
Industries and Occupations
Leading industries in Oklahoma City include the aerospace and defense, energy, and healthcare fields. Manufacturing, retail, and tourism also contribute to Oklahoma City's economy. Aurora's economic base is rooted in the aerospace, military, bioscience, and healthcare sectors. Aurora also has a wide range of job opportunities in retail, food service, and education.
The healthcare sector in both cities is quite robust, but Aurora takes a slight edge with more healthcare facilities and top-rated health systems. In terms of quality of care, patient experiences, and health outcomes, both cities perform well.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Oklahoma City has invested heavily in infrastructure including a renovated city center, upgraded public spaces, and a modernized transit system. Aurora scores high in infrastructure too, with good connectivity, and well-maintained parks, and driveways.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Aurora
Hospitals
61
4
TV stations
20
15
Bank branches located here
183
77
Bank institutions located here
44
19
Main business address for public companies
15
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
Aurora
1999
2,925
1,737
2000
2,396
1,460
2001
1,824
1,056
2002
1,507
635
2003
2,014
1,276
2004
2,323
2,052
2005
3,134
3,087
2006
3,132
2,880
2007
2,036
1,693
2008
1,143
782
2009
593
302
Culture and Food
Both Oklahoma City and Aurora have diverse culinary scenes. Oklahoma City, with its Southern roots, is renowned for its barbecue, while Aurora, a melting pot of cultures, boasts a variety of cuisines from all over the world. Both cities also offer numerous cultural festivals and events year-round.
Sports Teams
Oklahoma City is home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, while Aurora does not have a major sports team but it's near Denver which provides access to a range of sports, including football, baseball and hockey.
Oklahoma City, OK
Aurora, CO
Oklahoma City, OK and 
Aurora, CO : 493.0 miles
