Data & Resources

A Region on the Rise

Thanks to a flourishing set of industries and a stable business environment, Aurora’s economic strength continues to grow. Affordable homes, billions of dollars in annual construction value, and numerous primary employers have fueled our growth to nearly double the national average.

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Economic Highlights
$1.1BNew Construction in 2023 (Non-Residential)
69 Commercial Building Permits Issued in 2023
4%Aurora’s Unemployment Rate
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Quarterly Economic Indicators
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Construction

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Demographics

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Education

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Incentives & Rebates

Aurora offers many incentives, rebates, and programs that make this region attractive to businesses. Among other local tax waivers, the City of Aurora can issue partial sales/use tax rebates on new equipment and construction materials on a case-by-case basis. The City of Aurora will also fast-track entitlements by running concurrent processes when appropriate, cutting time to market. On a state level, Colorado offers more than 30 different incentive-related programs from tax credits to job training programs to grants and more.

When you partner with us, the Aurora Economic Development Council creates a comprehensive package based on several factors that determine the project’s impact. While not all projects quality for traditional incentives, we have access to many special programs and incentive zones that can help your bottom line.

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Living Here
50 Acres of Open Space per Resident
$494,348 Median House Value
81%Households with Broadband
Three girls smiling at Rangeview High School graduation

Education

Aurora Public Schools (APS) is the sixth-largest school district in Colorado and number one for students earning postsecondary workforce credentials. APS students have the opportunity to learn side-by-side with students from all over the world — our school system enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries speaking 160 different languages — teaching them about different backgrounds and cultures, and to think globally.

Aurora has numerous schools with STEM programs and both APS and CCSD have STEM options for students. Higher education in the state is ranked 9th in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report and vocational schools help fill important gaps in the workforce while offering valuable alternatives to 4-year universities.

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Education Stats
33%Residents with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
86.3%High School Graduation Rate
122Number of Schools in Aurora, CO

Cost of Living

With a lower cost of living compared to the coasts plus higher income versus the nation, Colorado offers residents the optimal combination of affordability and value. Unlike other states that tout affordability, Coloradoans don’t compromise on healthcare, amenities, employment opportunities, or lifestyle. Whether you are buying or renting a home, Aurora’s housing costs are more affordable than other cities in the Metro area and around the country, especially on the coasts.

Tax Rates
4.25% Colorado Corporate Tax Rate (Temporarily Reduced by Gov Polis)
8% and 8.5% Sales Tax (Aurora/Arapahoe) and (Aurora/Adams)
393,319Aurora’s Population
55%Employees with Commute Less Than 30 Minutes

Colorado ranks 35th in the nation for how much citizens pay per capita in state and local taxes as a percentage of their income — the 8.9% we pay in state and local taxes is significantly lower than states on both coasts. Meanwhile, Colorado’s flat corporate income tax rate of 4.63% is lower than most competitive markets.

The City of Aurora, Adams County, and Arapahoe County offer the advantage of three types of incentive zones – Enterprise, Foreign Trade, and Opportunity. All provide unique benefits beyond traditional incentives, which can positively impact your project’s bottom line.

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Ready to Start Your Project?

Thinking of moving your business to Aurora? Need to know the right people to connect with? Need insights into the region? We’re here to make your project a reality!

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