Athens GA vs Aurora CO — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Athens, GA
Georgia · Population: 126,987
- Median HH Income$51,655
- Median Home Price$341,821
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+48.7%
Aurora, CO
Colorado · Population: 390,201
- Median HH Income$84,320
- Median Home Price$464,881
- Unemployment5.7%
- Bachelor's+32.9%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Aurora
390,201
Aurora +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Aurora
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Aurora
35.1
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Aurora
21.8%
Aurora +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Aurora
49.2%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Aurora
15.8%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Aurora
6.0%
Aurora +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Aurora
30.6%
Aurora +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Aurora
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 390,201 | Aurora + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 35.1 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 21.8% | Aurora + |
| White | 57.6% | 49.2% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 15.8% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 6.0% | Aurora + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 30.6% | Aurora + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Aurora
$84,320
Aurora +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Aurora
$40,424
Aurora +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Aurora
$76,653
Aurora +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Aurora
5.7%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Aurora
11.3%
Aurora +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Aurora
32.9%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $84,320 | Aurora + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $40,424 | Aurora + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $76,653 | Aurora + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.7% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 11.3% | Aurora + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 32.9% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Aurora
$464,881
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Aurora
63.3%
Aurora +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $464,881 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 63.3% | Aurora + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Aurora
512
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Aurora
3234
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 512 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 3234 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Aurora
29.1%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Aurora
9.5%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Aurora
17.6%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Aurora
16.1%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Aurora
17.4%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Aurora
12.7%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 29.1% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.5% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 17.6% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.1% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 17.4% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.7% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Aurora
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Aurora
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Aurora
6.2 µg/m³
Aurora +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Aurora
75.0%
Aurora +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 6.2 µg/m³ | Aurora + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Aurora + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Aurora
30.9 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Aurora, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 30.9 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Aurora leads in median household income at $84,320, while athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 512 in Aurora. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Aurora has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 6.2 µg/m³).
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