Aurora, SD
Population 1,407 · South Dakota
About Aurora, SD
Aurora is a small town located in South Dakota with a population of 1,407 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,612 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Aurora features a median home value of $219,100, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Aurora in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $829, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 632 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (472 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (133 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Aurora shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Aurora have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.1% of Aurora residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Aurora Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Aurora, SD
Compared to national averages, Aurora has a median household income of $90,612 (21% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $219,100, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $829 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Aurora's income is 40% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 52% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Aurora, SD?
Aurora offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,612, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $219,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $829/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%, and a well-educated community where 44.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Aurora has a population of 1,407 with a median age of 29.7 years. Compare Aurora with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Aurora
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Eagle Butte | 1,432 | $38,125 | $37,500 | Compare |
| Mission | 1,380 | $34,000 | $56,900 | Compare |
| Miller | 1,346 | $51,774 | $135,100 | Compare |
| Gettysburg | 1,344 | $59,667 | $127,000 | Compare |
| Gregory | 1,330 | $47,629 | $105,600 | Compare |
| Eagle Butte | 1,492 | $53,558 | $51,500 | Compare |
| Deadwood | 1,319 | $52,679 | $227,000 | Compare |
| Kyle | 1,495 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Aurora With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Aurora
What is the population of Aurora, SD?
The population of Aurora, SD is 1,407 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Aurora?
The median household income in Aurora, SD is $90,612 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Aurora?
The median home value in Aurora, SD is $219,100, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Aurora?
The median monthly rent in Aurora, SD is $829, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Aurora?
The unemployment rate in Aurora, SD is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Aurora, SD a good place to live?
Aurora offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,407 and a median age of 29.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Aurora, SD?
44.1% of residents in Aurora aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Aurora?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Aurora, SD: median home value is $219,100 (11% below national), median rent is $829/month, and median household income is $90,612. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Aurora?
The poverty rate in Aurora, SD is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Aurora, SD?
Aurora's population is 1.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.