The City in Brief
Founded: 1834 (incorporated 1845)
Head Official: Mayor Tom Wesiner (D) (since 2005)
City Population
1980: 81,293
1990: 100,279
2000: 142,990
2003 estimate: 162,184
Percent change, 1990–2000: 42.6%
U.S. rank in 1990: 201st (State rank: 3rd)
U.S. rank in 2000: 147th (State rank: 3rd)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 7,937,000
1990: 8,066,000
2000: 9,157,540
Percent change, 1990–2000: 11.1%
U.S. rank in 1990: 3rd
U.S. rank in 2000: 3rd
Area: 38.5 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Average 676 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 47.9° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 38.4 inches
Major Economic Sectors: manufacturing, retail, entertainment
Unemployment Rate: 6.3% (February 2005)
Per Capita Income: $22,131 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: Not reported
Major Colleges and Universities: Aurora University, Waubonsee Community College
Daily Newspaper: The Beacon News
