Aurora, Colorado#History

{{For timeline}}

Before European settlement, the land that now makes up Aurora was the territory of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) tribes.{{cite web |last1=Temprano |first1=Victor |title=Native Land |url=https://native-land.ca/ |website=Native Land Digital |date=2015}} These lands were claimed by France in 1682 and subsequently became part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.In the 1980s, a subdivision named “Louisiana Purchase” was developed along Louisiana Avenue on the east side of the city.

Aurora originated in the 1880s as the town of Fletcher, taking its name from Denver businessman Donald Fletcher who saw it as a real estate opportunity. He and his partners staked out {{convert|4|mi2|spell=in}} east of Denver, but the town—and Colorado—struggled mightily after the Silver Crash of 1893. The Town of Fletcher was incorporated on May 5, 1903. Fletcher skipped town, leaving the community with a huge water debt. Voters decided to rename Fletcher the Town of Aurora in 1907 after one of the subdivisions composing the town. The Aurora post office opened on January 15, 1908.{{cite book|title=Colorado Post Offices 1859–1989|first1=William H.|last1=Bauer|first2=James L.|last2=Ozment|first3=John H.|last3=Willard|date=1990|publisher=Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation|location=Golden, Colorado|isbn=0-918654-42-4}}

By February 1928, the town of Aurora had reached a population of over 2,000 and it was reincorporated as a city on March 9.{{cite news |title=Census Shows Aurora is now a City |url=https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=AUD19280224-01 |work=The Aurora Democrat |volume=19 |issue=10 |page=1 |date=February 24, 1928}}{{cite news |title=Aurora Town Becomes a City Today |work=The Aurora Democrat |volume=19 |issue=11 |url=https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=AUD19280302-01 |page=1 |date=March 2, 1928}} Aurora slowly began to grow in Denver's shadow becoming the fastest-growing city in the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Aurora, composed of hundreds of subdivisions, thus carries the name of one of the original development plats from which it sprang.

Aurora's growing population in recent decades has led to efforts for co-equal recognition with its larger neighbor.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} Former mayor Dennis Champine once expressed the somewhat whimsical notion that eventually the area would be called the "Aurora/Denver Metropolitan Area". Indeed, since the 2000 Census Aurora has surpassed Denver in land area, and much of Aurora is undeveloped, while Denver is more fully built-out. However, such efforts are somewhat hampered by the lack of a large, historically important central business district in the city. Aurora is largely suburban in character, as evidenced by the city's modest number of multi-story buildings.

File:Aerial view of Fitzsimons Army Hospital, 1973.JPEG

A large military presence has existed in Aurora since the early 20th century. In 1918, Army General Hospital #21 (later renamed Fitzsimons Army Hospital) opened, with the U.S. government expanding and upgrading the hospital facilities in 1941 just in time to care for the wounded servicemen of World War II. Lowry Air Force Base was opened in 1938, straddling the border of Aurora and Denver. It eventually closed in 1994, and has been redeveloped into a master-planned community featuring residential, commercial, business and educational facilities. In 1942, the Army Air Corps built Buckley Field, which has been renamed Naval Air Station, Buckley Air National Guard Base, Buckley Air Force Base, and finally Buckley Space Force Base. The base, home of the Buckley Garrison and the 140th Wing Colorado Air National Guard, is Aurora's largest employer.

President Warren G. Harding visited Fitzsimons Army Hospital in 1923, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited in 1936.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2016/03/25/ttimeline-development-of-the-anschutz-campus.html#g6|title=Timeline: Development of the Anschutz campus (Slideshow) - Denver Business Journal|website=Denver Business Journal|access-date=April 6, 2016}} In 1943, the hospital was the birthplace of 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. President Dwight D. Eisenhower recovered from a heart attack at Fitzsimons for seven weeks during the fall of 1955. Decommissioned in 1999, the facility is part of the Anschutz Medical Campus of the University of Colorado Denver, and the Fitzsimons Life Science District. The Anschutz Medical Campus also includes the University of Colorado Hospital, which moved to Aurora from Denver in 2007, and the Children's Hospital. The first carbon-ion radiotherapy research and treatment facility in the U.S. has been proposed at the site.{{Cite web|url = http://source.colostate.edu/plan-presents-new-hope-for-us-cancer-patients/|title = CSU plan presents new hope for U.S. Cancer Patients|date = September 24, 2014|access-date = November 8, 2014|website = Colorado State University|last = Cornelius|first = Cornell}} These facilities will employ a workforce of 32,000 at build-out.

In 1965, mayor Norma O. Walker became the first woman to head a U.S. city with a population over 60,000.

In 1978, the cult coming-of-age film Over the Edge was filmed in Aurora; the crime drama has been named the "signature film" of Denver.{{Cite web|date=December 10, 2020|title=The signature film of 76 cities around the world|url=https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_signature_film_of_76_cities_around_the_world/s1__29954069|access-date=January 11, 2021|website=Yardbarker|language=en}}

In 1979, it was announced that a science fiction theme park would be built in Aurora using the sets of a $50 million film based on the fantasy novel Lord of Light. However, due to legal problems the project was never completed. The script of the unmade film project, renamed Argo, was used as cover for the "Canadian Caper": the exfiltration of six U.S. diplomatic staff trapped by the Iranian hostage crisis.

In 1993, Cherry Creek State Park on the southwestern edge of Aurora was the location for the papal mass of the 8th World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II, attended by an estimated 500,000 people.{{cite web|url=http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/4865 |title=World Youth Day memorial signs in need of repair |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927065853/http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/4865 |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}

Aurora is split among three counties and lies distant from the respective county seats. A consolidated city and county government such as those found elsewhere in Colorado (Denver and Broomfield) was considered in the mid-1990s but failed to win approval by city voters; the issue was reconsidered in 2006.{{Cite web|url=http://sentinelcolorado.com/|title=The Sentinel|date=May 4, 2023|website=Sentinel Colorado}}

Aurora Sports Park opened in 2003. In 2004, Aurora was honored as the Sports Illustrated magazine's 50th-anniversary "Sportstown" for Colorado because of its exemplary involvement in facilitating and enhancing sports. The city attracts more than 30 regional and national sports tournaments annually to Aurora's fields. Aurora's active populace is also reflected in the variety of professional athletes hailing from the city. Aurora's first semi-professional sports franchise, the Aurora Cavalry in the International Basketball League, began play in 2006 but folded by season's end due to budget mishaps.{{Citation needed|date=January 2008}}

In 2008, Aurora was designated an All-America City by the National Civic League.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&Itemid=186 |title=AAC Winners by State and City |publisher=Ncl.org |access-date=July 25, 2012}}

Aurora pioneered the use of bank filtration in the United States, becoming one of the first U.S. cities to reap the benefits of siphoning water from beneath a riverbed upon completion of the Prairie Waters Project in 2010.{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Max |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Aurora poised to double capacity of Prairie Waters riverbank filtration project with federal grant |url=https://sentinelcolorado.com/orecent-headlines/aurora-poised-to-double-capacity-of-prairie-waters-riverbank-filtration-project-with-federal-grant/ |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=Sentinel Colorado |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Prairie Waters |url=https://www.auroragov.org/residents/water/water_system/water_sources/prairie_waters |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=auroragov.org |language=en-US}}

In 2017, the Republic of El Salvador opened a consulate in Aurora, serving Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming.{{Cite web|url=http://consuladoaurora.rree.gob.sv/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118105939/http://consuladoaurora.rree.gob.sv/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 18, 2018|title=Consulado de el Salvador en Aurora, Colorado - Inicio}} In 2024, the Republic of Honduras opened the city's second diplomatic post.{{Cite web |title=Aurora welcomes new Consulate General of Honduras, the second diplomatic post in the city |url=https://www.auroragov.org/news/whats_new/aurora_welcomes_new_consulate_general_of_honduras |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=www.auroragov.org |language=en-US}}

{{Main|2012 Aurora theater shooting}}

On July 20, 2012, Aurora was the site of the deadliest shooting by a lone shooter in Colorado (and the state's overall second deadliest, after the 1999 Columbine High School massacre).{{cite news | title = Colorado Movie Theater Shooting: 70 Victims The Largest Mass Shooting | url = http://gma.yahoo.com/colorado-batman-movie-shooting-suspect-phd-student-085940589--abc-news-topstories.html | access-date = July 21, 2012 | publisher = Good morning America | date = July 20, 2012 | archive-date = July 21, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120721004136/http://gma.yahoo.com/colorado-batman-movie-shooting-suspect-phd-student-085940589--abc-news-topstories.html | url-status = dead }} The shooting occurred just after midnight, when James Holmes opened fire during the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in a Century movie theater, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/officials-release-complete-list-of-injured-victims-in-aurora-massacre/ |title=Officials release complete list of injured victims in Aurora massacre |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=January 10, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2013}} Holmes was arrested and was eventually sentenced to 12 life sentences in prison with an additional required 3,318 years. The shooting drew an international response from world leaders. U.S. President Barack Obama visited victims, as well as local and state officials, and addressed the nation in a televised address from Aurora on July 22. Actor Christian Bale, who plays Batman in the film, also visited some victims in hospitals. The events marked a turning point in recognition and public perception of the city; rather than referring to the site as being in "Denver" or "suburban Denver", as would have been typical before the event, virtually all media accounts of the incident unequivocally named "Aurora" as its location.{{cite web |url= http://www.westword.com/news/aurora-is-finally-a-household-namefor-the-wrong-reason-5822506 |title= Aurora is Finally a Household Name...For the Wrong Reason |website= westword.com |access-date= March 20, 2015 |quote= Most of the headlines name-check Aurora as the site of the massacre, rather than tying it to a Denver suburb. |date= July 20, 2012 }}

{{main|Killing of Elijah McClain}}

On August 30, 2019, Elijah McClain died six days after an unprovoked detention by two Aurora police officers.{{cite web|url=https://auroragov.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_1881137/File/News%20Items/Investigation%20Report%20and%20Recommendations%20(FINAL).pdf|title=Investigation Report and Recommendations|author=Independent Review Panel|publisher=City of Aurora|date=February 22, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021}} On June 27, 2020, Aurora Police in riot gear dispersed thousands of protestors at a violin concert held in his honor.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/13/arts/music/elijah-mcclain-violin-vigil.html|title=Violin Vigils Honor the Memory of Elijah McClain|first=Giulia|last=Heyward|work=New York Times|date=July 13, 2020|access-date=April 23, 2021}} On October 12, 2023, one of the officers involved in McClain's death was found guilty on charges of assault and negligent homicide, while another officer was acquitted on all charges against him, which included assault and reckless manslaughter.{{Cite web |last1=Babineau |first1=Andi |last2=Levenson |first2=Eric |last3=Tucker |first3=Emma |name-list-style=and |date=October 12, 2023 |title=One officer who arrested Elijah McClain convicted of criminally negligent homicide; second officer acquitted |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/12/us/elijah-mcclain-police-trial-thursday/index.html |access-date=October 20, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}

Aurora was thrust into national media coverage during the run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. In September 2024, statements made by mayor Mike Coffman and city council member Danielle Jurinsky, both Republicans, fueled a rumor that the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang had taken control of an Aurora apartment complex and was extorting residents for their rent money. Jurinsky appeared on Fox News to assert that others questioning her claims were engaged in "a huge cover-up" and this "isn't just an Aurora issue." The rumor spread across right-wing media before the two officials backpedaled from their original assertions. Presidential candidate Donald Trump became aware of the rumor and repeated it multiple times during his September 10 debate with Kamala Harris, and subsequently scheduled a campaign rally in Aurora.{{cite news |last1=Alvarez |first1=Alayna |title=Aurora leaders backtrack on "overstated" claims of Venezuelan gang activity |url=https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/11/aurora-venezuelan-gang-arrests-mike-coffman-danielle-jurinsky |work=Axios |date=September 11, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Acevedo |first1=Nicole |title=What led to rumors Trump shared about Venezuelan gangs taking over a Colorado building? |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/trump-debate-venezuelan-gangs-colorado-rcna170255 |publisher=NBC News |date=September 11, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Police identify three more people from viral video of armed men inside Aurora apartment complex |url=https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/aurora/police-identify-three-more-people-from-viral-video-of-armed-men-inside-aurora-apartment-complex |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Tori |date=2024-08-30 |title=Venezuelan gang activity confirmed by Aurora officials after release of Colorado woman's surveillance video - CBS Colorado |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-venezuelan-gang-activity-aurora-crime-woman-moves-video-guns/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} Mayor Coffman then pushed back against Trump's claims that the city was overrun by Venezuelan gangs.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-10 |title=Trump seizes on one block of a Colorado city to warn of migrant crime threat, even as crime dips |url=https://www.fox16.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-trump-seizes-on-one-block-of-a-colorado-city-to-warn-of-migrant-crime-threat-even-as-crime-dips/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=KLRT - FOX16.com |language=en-US}} At the October 11 rally at Aurora's Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric and proposed an "Operation Aurora" to remove undocumented immigrants connected to gangs.{{Cite web |last=Waddick |first=Karissa |title=Trump proposes 'Operation Aurora,' escalates migrant rhetoric at Colo. rally: 3 takeaways |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/11/trump-operation-aurora-colorado/75617416007/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} At a press conference held the same day at Aurora's Stanley Marketplace to denounce Trump's rally, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said, "We welcome the eyes of the nation on a true Colorado gem, the great city of Aurora."{{Cite web |last1=Birkeland |first1=Bente |last2=DeMare · |first2=Kiara |date=2024-10-11 |title=In a long but cheerful line, Trump supporters await their candidate in Aurora |url=https://www.cpr.org/2024/10/11/donald-trump-aurora-colorado-visit/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Colorado Public Radio |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Cassandra Ballard, Sentinel Staff |date=2024-10-11 |title=Colorado Dems skewer Trump in Aurora ahead of campaign rally at Gaylord |url=https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/colorado-dems-skewer-trump-in-aurora-ahead-of-campaign-rally-at-gaylord/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Sentinel Colorado |language=en-US}}

Following Trump's inauguration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted raids targeting suspected Tren de Aragua gang members in Aurora and Denver.{{Cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/ice-raid-aurora-arrests-venezuelan-gang/story?id=118483334 |title=ICE carries out raid in Colorado, 100 members of Venezuelan gang targeted for arrest: Officials |first1=Nadine |last1=El-Bawab |first2=Jeffrey |last2=Cook |first3=Luke |last3=Barr |website=ABC News}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/02/05/colorado-ice-raid-targets-immigrant-gang-members/78248926007/|title=Trump's promised immigration raids hit Colorado cities|first=Trevor Hughes and Rick|last=Jervis|website=USA TODAY}} In an address to Congress on March 4, 2025, Trump picked up his narrative again, claiming that immigrants have “destroyed” Aurora and that the city has “buckled under the weight of migrant occupation.”{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/14/us/aurora-colorado-apartments-closing-gang-activity/index.html | title=Colorado apartment complex where armed gang members were seen on video will be closed | date=January 14, 2025 }}{{Cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Zeke |last2=Price |first2=Michelle L. |date=2025-03-05 |title=Trump falsely says Aurora 'buckled,' 'destroyed' by immigrants, gangs; promises unrelenting action' for US change |url=https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/trump-says-aurora-buckled-destroyed-by-immigrants-gangs-promises-to-keep-unrelenting-action-for-massive-change/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Sentinel Colorado |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web | url=https://denvergazette.com/aurora/aurora-tren-de-aragua-venezuelan-gang-police-todd-chamberlain/article_87f18a91-831c-411a-b89d-43a63e6d28d7.html | title=Aurora's new police chief confronts Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua | date=March 22, 2025 }} Coffman expressed disappointment and characterized the remarks as "undeserved".{{Cite web |last=Pearce |first=Kyla |date=2025-03-06 |title=Trump claimed Aurora is a 'beautiful town destroyed' by illegal immigration |url=https://denvergazette.com/aurora/aurora-tda-gang-donald-trump-crime-congressional-address/article_0531e0be-f9f8-11ef-8255-87183d29fc0f.html |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Denver Gazette |language=en}}

File:Buckley AFB.png]]

Aurora's official elevation, posted on signs at the city limits, is {{convert|5471|ft}}. However, the city spans a difference in elevation of nearly {{convert|1000|ft}}. The lowest elevation of {{convert|5285|ft}} is found at the point where Sand Creek crosses the city limit in the northwest corner of the city, while the highest elevation of {{convert|6229|ft}} is on the extreme southern border of the city in Douglas County, near the intersection of Inspiration and Gartrell roads.{{Cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/AuroraGov/Departments/PlanningAndDevelopmentServices/ComprehensivePlanningDivision/DataAndDemographics/index.htm?ssSourceNodeId=1882&ssSourceSiteId=621|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927032003/https://www.auroragov.org/AuroraGov/Departments/PlanningAndDevelopmentServices/ComprehensivePlanningDivision/DataAndDemographics/index.htm?ssSourceNodeId=1882&ssSourceSiteId=621|url-status=dead|title=Missing Page or Old Bookmark @ AuroraGov.Org|archivedate=September 27, 2011|website=www.auroragov.org}}

According to 2023 data published by the United States census, the city has a total area of {{cvt|423.691|km2|acre|order=flip}} including {{cvt|1.500|km2|acre|order=flip}} of water.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2023_Gazetteer/2023_gaz_place_08.txt|title=Gazetteer Files|publisher=United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce|date=September 21, 2023|access-date=October 9, 2023}} The city is about 6 percent more extensive than neighboring Denver but 80 percent of the size of Colorado Springs, ranking as the 54th-largest U.S. city in land area.

{{clear}}

Aurora is composed of dozens of neighborhoods, districts and (current and former) military installations. Among them:{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}

{{div col|colwidth=10em|rules=yes|gap=2em}}

• Adonea
• Anschutz Medical Campus
• Aurora Heights
• Aurora Highlands{{cite web | url=https://www.denverpost.com/2019/10/18/hot-properties-samuelson-a-bold-look-at-denver-areas-future-in-aurora-first-large-master-plan-in-years-has-a-fall-themed-preview-next-weekend-oct-27-28/ | title=A bold look at Denver area's future: In Aurora, first large master plan in years has a fall-themed preview next weekend (Oct. 26-27) | date=October 18, 2019 }}
• Aurora Hills
• Aurora Knolls
• Beacon Point
• Berkshire Village
• Blackstone
• Brookvale
• Buckley Space Force Base
• Carriage Place
• Centretech
• Chadsford
• Chaddsford Village
• Chambers Heights
• Chelsea
• Cinnamon Village II
• City Center
• Conservatory
• Copperleaf
• Corning
• Crestridge
• Cross Creek
• The Dam East
• Del Mar
• The Dam West
• Downtown A-Town (the Fletcher townsite, Aurora's "downtown")
• Eastridge
• East Quincy Highlands
• Fox Hill
• Greenfield
• Hallcraft's Village East
• Hampton Hills
• Havana Heights
• Heather Gardens
• Heather Ridge
• Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club
• Highline Villages
• Highpoint
• Hillside at Del Mar
• Hoffman Heights
• Hutchinson Heights
• Inspiration
• Jackson Farm
• Kingsborough
• Laredo-Highline
• Lowry Campus (formerly Lowry Air Force Base)
• Lynn Knoll
• Meadowood
• Meadow Hills
• Mission Viejo
• Morris Heights
• Murphy Creek
• Peoria Park
• Pheasant Run
• Piney Creek
• Pioneer Hills
• Ponderosa Ridge
• Pride's Crossing
• Ptarmigan Park
• Queensborough
• Quincy Hill
• Rocking Horse
• Saddle Rock
• Settler's Village
• Serenity Ridge
• Seven Hills
• Shenandoah
• Stapleton (a portion of the redevelopment of Denver's former airport lies in Aurora, directly north of Original Aurora)
• Siena
• Smoky Hill
• Smoky Ridge
• Sterling Hills
• Stricker's House
• Summer Valley Ranch
• Tallgrass
• Tallyn's Reach{{cite web|url=http://tallynsreach-community.com/|title=Tallyn's Reach|website=tallynsreach-community.com|access-date=February 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607005338/http://tallynsreach-community.com/|archive-date=June 7, 2017|url-status=dead|publisher=Brookfield Residential}}
• The Timbers
• Tollgate Run at Kingsborough
• Tollgate Village
• Traditions
• Tuscany
• Utah Park
• Village East
• Waters Edge
• Wheatlands
• Whispering Pines
• Willow Park
• Willow Trace
• Woodgate
• Woodrim

{{div col end}}

{{clear}}

Aurora experiences a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk), with four distinct seasons and modest precipitation year-round. Summers range from mild to hot, with generally low humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and Aurora also averages about one dozen tornado warnings throughout tornado season, running from April to July. Although a touchdown does occur every couple of years, tornadoes are typically weak and short lived. Aurora residents typically hear the tornado sirens go off numerous times more than residents in Denver, to the West. All of Aurora is located east of I-25, where tornado alley begins. Hailstorms, at times one to two-plus feet deep happen on occasion, and typical hailstorms are very common throughout these months.{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=22250&cityname=Aurora,+Colorado,+United+States+of+America&units=|title=Aurora, Colorado Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|website=Weatherbase|access-date=April 14, 2018}} July is the warmest month of the year, with an average high of {{cvt|89|F|0}} and an average low of {{cvt|57|F|0}}. Winters range from mild to occasional bitter cold, with periods of sunshine alternating with periods of snow, high winds and very low temperatures. December is the coldest month of the year, with an average high of {{cvt|43|F|0}} and an average low of {{cvt|17|F|0}}. The average first snowfall in the Aurora area occurs in late October and the average final snowfall occurs in late April, although snow has fallen as early as September 4 and as late as June 5. Generally, deciduous trees in the area are bare from mid October to late April.

{{Weather box

|location = Aurora, Colorado

|single line = Y

|collapsed = yes

|Jan record high F = 76

|Feb record high F = 75

|Mar record high F = 83

|Apr record high F = 89

|May record high F = 97

|Jun record high F = 105

|Jul record high F = 108

|Aug record high F = 104

|Sep record high F = 100

|Oct record high F = 96

|Nov record high F = 81

|Dec record high F = 73

|year record high F =108

|Jan high F = 45

|Feb high F = 47

|Mar high F = 55

|Apr high F = 62

|May high F = 71

|Jun high F = 82

|Jul high F = 89

|Aug high F = 86

|Sep high F = 78

|Oct high F = 67

|Nov high F = 53

|Dec high F = 43

|year high F =

|Jan low F = 18

|Feb low F = 20

|Mar low F = 26

|Apr low F = 33

|May low F = 42

|Jun low F = 51

|Jul low F = 57

|Aug low F = 55

|Sep low F = 47

|Oct low F = 35

|Nov low F = 26

|Dec low F = 17

|year low F =

|Jan record low F = −32

|Feb record low F = −24

|Mar record low F = −14

|Apr record low F = −7

|May record low F = 17

|Jun record low F = 30

|Jul record low F = 41

|Aug record low F = 36

|Sep record low F = 15

|Oct record low F = −2

|Nov record low F = −14

|Dec record low F = −27

|year record low F= −32

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 0.49

|Feb precipitation inch = 0.47

|Mar precipitation inch = 1.50

|Apr precipitation inch = 2.08

|May precipitation inch = 2.85

|Jun precipitation inch = 2.00

|Jul precipitation inch = 2.46

|Aug precipitation inch = 2.05

|Sep precipitation inch = 1.44

|Oct precipitation inch = 1.03

|Nov precipitation inch = 1.18

|Dec precipitation inch = 0.65

|year precipitation inch=18.20

|source 1 = Weather.comWeather.com—[http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/wxclimatology/monthly/USCO0019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802163027/http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/wxclimatology/monthly/USCO0019 |date=August 2, 2014 }}. Retrieved July 30, 2010.

|date=August 2010

}}

{{US Census population

| align = left

| 1900 = 202

| 1910 = 679

| 1920 = 983

| 1930 = 2295

| 1940 = 3437

| 1950 = 11421

| 1960 = 48548

| 1970 = 74974

| 1980 = 158588

| 1990 = 222103

| 2000 = 276393

| 2010 = 325078

| 2020 = 386261

| estyear = 2024

| estimate = 403130

| estref = {{cite web | url= https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html#v2024| title=US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024|website=census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 15, 2025}}

| footnote = U.S. Decennial census

}}

As of the 2010 census, there were 325,078 people, 121,191 households, and 73,036 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,939.6|PD/sqmi}}. There were 131,040 housing units at an average density of {{convert|766.7|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 61.1% White, 15.7% African American, 4.9% Asian (1.1% Korean, 0.8% Vietnamese, 0.5% Filipino, 0.5% Chinese, 0.5% Indian, 0.2% Japanese, 0.1% Thai, 0.1% Cambodian, 0.1% Burmese, 0.1% Nepalese, 0.1% Pakistani, 0.1% Indonesian), 1.0% Native American, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 11.6% from other races, and 5.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28.7% of the population; 21.9% of Aurora's population is of Mexican heritage, 1.0% Salvadoran, 0.7% Puerto Rican, 0.4% Guatemalan, 0.3% Honduran, 0.3% Peruvian, 0.2% Cuban, 0.2% Colombian and 0.1% Nicaraguan.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |title=U.S. Census website |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=October 5, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2012 }} Non-Hispanic Whites were 47.3% of the population in 2010,{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08/0804000.html |title=Aurora (city), Colorado |work=State & County QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=July 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531071853/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08/0804000.html |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |url-status=dead }} compared to 85.1% in 1980.{{cite web|title=Colorado - Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html|access-date=January 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812191959/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html|archive-date=August 12, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Aurora is a center of Colorado's refugee population. There are about 30,000 Ethiopians and Eritreans living in the Denver–Aurora area. There is also a sizable population of Nepalese refugees.Illescas, Carlos. [http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_24774637/aurora-reaching-out-refugee-community Aurora reaching out refugee community], Denver Post, December 21, 2012.Bunch, Joey. [http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23734840/denver-metro-area-home-30-000-ethiopians-eritreans Denver metro area home to 30,000 Ethiopians, Eritreans] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304084952/http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23734840/denver-metro-area-home-30-000-ethiopians-eritreans |date=March 4, 2014 }}, Denver Post, July 29, 2013.

There were 121,191 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 3.2.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 37.6% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,507, and the median income for a family was $52,551. Males had a median income of $35,963 versus $30,080 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,095. About 6.8% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

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According to the Aurora Economic Development Council,{{cite web |url=http://www.auroraedc.com/AuroraEDC_FactsAndFigures_LargestEmployers.aspx |title=Aurora Economic Development Council |publisher=Auroraedc.com |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725015617/http://www.auroraedc.com/AuroraEDC_FactsAndFigures_LargestEmployers.aspx |archive-date=July 25, 2011 |url-status=dead }} the largest public employers in the city are:

According to the Aurora Economic Development Council,{{Cite web|title=Aurora Economic Development Council - Largest Employers|url=https://www.auroraedc.com/Facts-Figures/Largest-Employers.aspx|access-date=February 9, 2021|website=www.auroraedc.com|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213024613/https://www.auroraedc.com/Facts-Figures/Largest-Employers.aspx|url-status=dead}} the largest private employers in the city of Aurora are:

Other notable employers in the city include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Staples Inc., United Natural Foods, Aurora Mental Health Center, G45 Secure Solutions, Graebel Relocation, Core-Mark, and Nelnet, Inc.

The city of Aurora manages more than 100 parks, more than {{cvt|6000|acre|km2}} of open space and natural areas,{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/ParksandOpenSpaces/index.htm |title=Parks & Open Spaces @ AuroraGov.Org |access-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210453/https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/ParksandOpenSpaces/index.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }} and six award-winning municipal golf courses (Aurora Hills, Meadow Hills, Murphy Creek, Saddle Rock, Springhill and Fitzsimons).{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/Golf/index.htm |title=Golf @ AuroraGov.Org |access-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210030/https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/Golf/index.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }} Aurora also is home to several privately owned golf courses including CommonGround Golf Course, Heather Ridge Country Club, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club and Valley Country Club. Hogan Park at Highlands Creek in the Aurora Highlands features world-class public art installations,{{Cite web |title=Art in the Park |url=https://theaurorahighlands.com/art-in-the-park/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=The Aurora Highlands |language=en}} including Liberty,{{Cite web |last=milehighcre |date=2025-04-23 |title=Massive 58-Foot Sculpture "Liberty" to be Installed in Aurora |url=https://milehighcre.com/massive-58-foot-sculpture-liberty-to-be-installed-in-aurora/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=Mile High CRE |language=en}} among the 20 tallest statues in the United States.

Star K Ranch, home to Aurora's Morrison Nature Center, provides important habitat for wildlife. It has several trails for nature exploration, including access to the Sand Creek Greenway Trail. Jewell Wetland, a {{convert|50|acre|m2|adj=on}} wooded wetland, features trails, boardwalk/deck access into the wetland and a butterfly garden. Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor water pursuits.

File:Plains Conservation Center, Colorado 03.jpg]]

DeLaney Farm, site of Aurora's famous historic round barn, has {{cvt|130|acre|km2}} of open space, trails with access to the High Line Canal, an organic garden managed by Denver Urban Gardens, and two structures on the National Register of Historic Places. The Plains Conservation Center, with {{cvt|1100|acre|km2}} of native shortgrass prairie, hosts a variety of educational programs.

Twenty-seven historic sites and landmarks are managed by the city of Aurora, including the Gully Homestead of 1870, the Victorian-style Centennial House of 1890, the privately owned American War Mothers National Memorial Home, the Art Deco-style KOA Building of 1934, the DeLaney Round Barn of 1902, Lowry Building 800, the interim headquarters for the U.S. Air Force Academy from 1955 to 1958, and Stanley Marketplace, which opened at the former site of Stanley Aviation in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/CityHall/AboutAurora/HistoricSites/ExploretheSites/index.htm |title=Explore the Sites @ AuroraGov.Org |access-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205735/https://www.auroragov.org/CityHall/AboutAurora/HistoricSites/ExploretheSites/index.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}

The Aurora Fox Theatre & Arts Center, another historic landmark, is a 245-seat performing arts facility in the Aurora Cultural Arts District, along East Colfax Avenue. In that same area, The People's Building is a performing arts venue with flexible space, including 191 retractable seats and a gallery.{{cite web |last1=The People's Building |title=Aurora Cultural Arts District |url=https://www.auroragov.org/things_to_do/arts__history___culture/aurora_cultural_arts_district |website=AuroraGov.org |access-date=February 25, 2022 |ref=58}}

The Aurora History Museum is a community-based cultural center featuring a permanent exhibit on Aurora history and two changing exhibit galleries touching on topics related to history and decorative arts.{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/ArtsandCulture/AuroraHistoryMuseum/index.htm |title=Aurora History Museum @ AuroraGov.Org |access-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210617/https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/ArtsandCulture/AuroraHistoryMuseum/index.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }} Additionally, some of their collections can be accessed online [https://aurora.pastperfectonline.com/ here]. Aurora is home to the Colorado Freedom Memorial{{Cite web |title=Colorado Freedom Memorial |url=https://www.visitaurora.com/directory/colorado-freedom-memorial/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Visit Aurora |language=en-US}} and a memorial garden for the victims of the 2012 theater shooting is located adjacent to City Hall.{{Cite web |title=7/20 Memorial |url=https://www.visitaurora.com/directory/7-20-memorial/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Visit Aurora |language=en-US}}

The Aurora Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra established in 1978, offers a full season of full orchestra concerts annually as well as smaller chamber ensemble performances.{{cite web |author=Aurora Symphony Orchestra |url=http://aurorasymphony.org/about |title=About the ASO |publisher=Aurorasymphony.org |date=February 22, 1999 |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725024058/http://aurorasymphony.org/about |archive-date=July 25, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

The Aurora Public Library provides four main branches and a variety of events throughout the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/AuroraPublicLibrary/index.htm |title=Aurora Public Library |publisher=City of Aurora |access-date=June 6, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801005248/https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/AuroraPublicLibrary/index.htm |archive-date=August 1, 2015 }}

Town Center at Aurora is the city's centrally-located indoor shopping mall. Other major retail centers in Aurora include the outdoor The Gardens on Havana (formerly Buckingham Square) and Southlands Town Center, which is the metro area's largest.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/subscriber-only/2025/02/28/largest-denver-area-shopping-centers.html |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=www.bizjournals.com}} Stanley Marketplace is a non-traditional retail and entertainment venue occupying the former Stanley Aviation plant.

The city of Aurora operates under a council-manager form of government, where the city manager runs the city's day-to-day operations with general guidance from the city council. The Aurora City Council is composed of a mayor and ten council members. Six members are elected from districts, while the other four are elected at large. The mayor is elected by the entire city. Aurora's mayor role is largely ceremonial, but the mayor does have direct impact on policy issues as the head of city council.{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/CityHall/MayorandCityCouncil/CouncilMembers/index.htm |title=Mayor & Council Members @ AuroraGov.Org |access-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210728/https://www.auroragov.org/CityHall/MayorandCityCouncil/CouncilMembers/index.htm |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }} The council is nonpartisan; however, parties of members have been listed below for reference.

This full-service city is protected by the Aurora Police Department,{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/Police/index.htm|title=Police @ AuroraGov.Org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205732/https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/Police/index.htm|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=October 24, 2013}} one of only 10 law enforcement agencies in Colorado to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies; the Aurora Fire Department,{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/Fire/index.htm|title=Fire @ AuroraGov.Org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210201/https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/Fire/index.htm|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=October 24, 2013}} which is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; and a Public Safety Communications dispatch call center.{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/911Communications/index.htm|title=911 Communications @ AuroraGov.Org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205606/https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/911Communications/index.htm|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=October 24, 2013}} The Aurora Municipal Courts handles a wide variety of offense violations, and the Aurora Detention Center is a 72-hour adult holding facility.{{cite web|url=https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/CourtsandDetention/index.htm|title=Courts & Detention @ AuroraGov.Org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205559/https://www.auroragov.org/LivingHere/PublicSafety/CourtsandDetention/index.htm|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=October 24, 2013}}

In national elections, Aurora leans to the left and the Democratic Party, though not as much as neighboring Denver but more than other suburbs in the Denver metro area. Northern and Central Aurora, due to an extremely racially and culturally diverse voter base and high density for a suburban city, are some of the most Democratic areas in Colorado and vote similarly to Denver and Boulder; southern Aurora, similar to neighboring Centennial, used to lean Republican but has swung Democratic entering the 2020s.{{cite web |last1=Mason |first1=Kara |title=LEFT TURN: Aurora, area suburbs veering left politically |url=https://sentinelcolorado.com/news/metro/left-turn-aurora-area-suburbs-veer-left-politically/ |website=Aurora Sentinel |date=March 13, 2020 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=June 17, 2020}}{{cite news |title=2020 Elections Map |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/upshot/2020-election-map.html |work=The New York Times |date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2021|last1=Park |first1=Alice |last2=Smart |first2=Charlie |last3=Taylor |first3=Rumsey |last4=Watkins |first4=Miles }}

Aurora anchors Colorado's 6th congressional district and is represented in Congress by Jason Crow (D-Centennial). State representation is listed in the tables below (areas implied to be in Arapahoe County unless noted: not all districts are fully in Aurora).

Primary and secondary education school districts:{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08001_adams/DC20SD_C08001.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Adams County, CO|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|page=1 (PDF p. 2/3)|accessdate=2024-11-01}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08001_adams/DC20SD_C08001_SD2MS.txt Text list] - First page cites: UNI 02340 (Aurora PS), UNI 02430 (Bennett 29-J), and UNI 02580 (27J).{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08005_arapahoe/DC20SD_C08005.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Arapahoe County, CO|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2024-11-01|pages=1-2 (PDF pp. 2-3/6)}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08005_arapahoe/DC20SD_C08005_SD2MS.txt Text list]. First page cites: UNI 02340 (Aurora PS) and UNI 02910 (Cherry Creek PS). Second page cites: UNI 02340, UNI 02430 (Bennett 29-J), and UNI 02910.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08035_douglas/DC20SD_C08035.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Douglas County, CO|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2024-11-01}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st08_co/schooldistrict_maps/c08035_douglas/DC20SD_C08035_SD2MS.txt Text list].

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• Aurora Public Schools (Adams-Arapahoe School District 28J)
• Bennett School District 29-J
• School District 27J (Brighton Public Schools) (The Highpoint at DIA neighborhood is located in this district{{fact|date=November 2024}})
• Cherry Creek Public Schools
• Douglas County School District (includes all areas in Douglas County: The Inspiration neighborhood is located within this district{{fact|date=November 2024}})

{{div col end}}

Charter schools:

• DSST Public Schools

Private schools:

• Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School{{cite web |title=Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School |url=https://www.christredeemerschool.org/ |access-date=February 27, 2020}}

Post-secondary and career education:{{cite web|last=Smith |first=James |title=Your Aurora Government |url=https://www.auroragov.org/cs/groups/public/documents/document/007355.pdf |publisher=Aurora Government |access-date=May 14, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201093417/https://www.auroragov.org/cs/groups/public/documents/document/007355.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2015 }}

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• Columbia College–Aurora
• Community College of Aurora
• Pickens Technical College
• Colorado School of Holistic and Naturopathic Studies
• Colorado Technical University–Denver South Campus
• Concorde Career College
• Platt College

{{div col end}}

{{main|Media in Aurora, Colorado}}

File:Florida Station ped. bridge, I-225, Aurora, CO.jpg

Aurora straddles I-70, I-225 and the E-470 beltway. The Regional Transportation District's light rail transit system was extended to serve the southwestern edge of Aurora on November 17, 2006. The H Line stops at Aurora's Dayton and Nine Mile Stations; a comprehensive network of feeder buses in southern Aurora serve the latter. On February 24, 2017, the line was extended as the R Line to Peoria Station in the city's northwest, where riders may transfer to the A Line providing service between Union Station in Downtown Denver and Denver Airport. Much of Aurora is more convenient to Denver International Airport than Denver itself, and the city is planning an Aerotropolis along the airport's southern flank.{{Cite web|date=April 23, 2020|title=Aerotropolis - A Game Changer for Aurora -|url=https://ccdmag.com/project-updates/aerotropolis-aurora-highlands/|access-date=January 11, 2021|website=CCD Magazine|language=en}} This proximity is a factor in the expected growth of the E-470 corridor directly south of Denver International Airport, projected to eventually accommodate 250,000 additional Aurora residents.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} The easternmost portions of Aurora adjoin the Colorado Air and Space Port.

In 2017, Aurora became the first city in Colorado to host a dockless bike sharing program, but operations have been suspended since August 2022.{{Cite web|title=City of Aurora in Colorado|url=https://www.auroragov.org/residents/transportation___mobility_resources/shared_mobility_program/|access-date=May 5, 2021|website=www.auroragov.org|language=en-US}}

In 2014 the U.S.A. Powerlifting Raw Nationals and the IPF Open Powerlifting World Championships were both held in Aurora. The WC was the 35th Women's and 44th Men's Open Powerlifting Championships, and it was held on the Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast.{{Cite web |url=https://www.visitaurora.com/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107053405/http://www.visitaurora.com/Events/IPFWorlds |url-status=dead |title=Official Tourism Site of Aurora, Colorado |archivedate=November 7, 2014 |website=Visit Aurora}}

{{main|List of people from Aurora, Colorado}}

Some notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Aurora include:

• Lauren Boebert, U.S. Representative for Colorado's 3rd congressional district{{Cite web |last=Villager |first=The |date=September 8, 2021 |title=U. S. Rep. Lauren Boebert wows local G.O.P. |url=http://villagerpublishing.com/u-s-rep-lauren-boebert-wows-local-g-o-p/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=The Villager |language=en-US}}
• Zachery Ty Bryan, actor
• J. Scott Campbell, comic book artist{{cite magazine |last=Beyers |first=Tim |date=June 1, 2013 |title=Denver Comic Con: Q&A with J. Scott Campbell |url=http://www.5280.com/blogs/2013/06/01/denver-comic-con-qa-j-scott-campbell |url-status=dead |magazine=5280 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504154747/http://www.5280.com/blogs/2013/06/01/denver-comic-con-qa-j-scott-campbell |archive-date=May 4, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016}}
• Michael Carter, Colorado House of Representatives District 36
• Michael Chiesa, UFC fighter
• Mike Coffman, Mayor of Aurora, former U.S. Representative and Colorado State Treasurer
• Danny Dietz, former Navy SEAL killed in Operation Red Wings, recipient of the Navy Cross
• John Kerry, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State{{cite web | title = Kerry, John Forbes, (1943- ) | work = Biographical Directory of the United States Congress | publisher = U.S. Congress | url = http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=k000148 | access-date = April 22, 2016}}
• Jennifer Ketcham, former pornographic actress with the stage name Penny Flame
• Andrew Kwon, fashion designer{{Cite web |last=Carreon |first=Blue |title=Andrew Kwon: The Bridal Designer To Know |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon/2022/10/25/andrew-kwon-the-bridal-designer-you-need-to-know-now/ |access-date=December 8, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}
• Elijah McClain, massage therapist and violinist
• Joe Neguse, U.S. Representative
• Michaela Onyenwere, WNBA player
• Brendan Schaub, former mixed martial arts fighter, comedian and broadcaster
• Dan Soder, stand-up comedian
• Michelle Waterson, mixed martial arts fighter{{cite news | last = Nguyen | first = Joe | title = Michelle Waterson signs to fight in UFC's strawweight division | newspaper = The Denver Post | date = April 28, 2015 | url = http://blogs.denverpost.com/sports/2015/04/28/michelle-waterson-signs-to-fight-in-ufcs-strawweight-division/27688/ | access-date = April 22, 2016}}
• Bowen Yang, SNL cast member

Aurora's sister cities are:{{cite web |title=Our Sister Cities|date=January 20, 2019 |url=https://aurorasistercities.org/sister-cities/|publisher=Aurora Sister Cities International|access-date=December 12, 2023}}

• {{flagicon|ETH}} Adama, Ethiopia (1988–2004, since 2014){{efn| name=Other|1=After Aurora Sister Cities International was resurrected in 2013.}}
• {{flagicon|MEX}} Chihuahua, Mexico (2023)
• {{flagicon|CRI}} Jacó, Costa Rica (2016)
• {{flagicon|KOR}} Seongnam, South Korea (1992)

Aurora also has two friendship cities:

• {{flagicon|SLV}} Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador (2016)
• {{flagicon|TWN}} New Taipei City, Taiwan (2023)

{{portal|Geography|History|United States|Colorado}}

• Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area
• Front Range Urban Corridor
• List of municipalities in Colorado
• List of populated places in Colorado
• List of post offices in Colorado

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{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{See also|Timeline of Aurora, Colorado#Bibliography|l1=Bibliography of the history of Aurora, Colorado}}

{{sister project links|auto=yes}}

• [http://www.auroragov.org/ City of Aurora]
• [http://www.aurorachamber.org/ Aurora Chamber of Commerce]
• [http://www.visitaurora.com/ Visit Aurora]
• [https://www.colorado.gov/ State of Colorado]
• [http://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/staticdata/Downloads/CityMaps/Aurora.pdf CDOT map of the City of Aurora]
• [https://www.historycolorado.org/ History Colorado]

{{Aurora, Colorado|state=expanded}}

{{Arapahoe County, Colorado}}

{{Adams County, Colorado}}

{{Douglas County, Colorado}}

{{Colorado}}

{{American Koreatowns}}

{{USPopulousCities}}

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Category:Cities in Arapahoe County, Colorado

Category:Cities in Adams County, Colorado

Category:Cities in Colorado

Category:Denver metropolitan area

Category:Populated places established in 1891

Category:Cities in Douglas County, Colorado

Category:1891 establishments in Colorado