Top Features of Aurora, Colorado
The City of Aurora is located in the Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties in Colorado. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city’s population was 386,261, with 336,035 people residing in Arapahoe County, 47,720 in Adams County, and 2,506 in Douglas County.
Facts
Aurora is the third-largest city in Colorado. It is famous for its food scene, art exhibits, outdoor recreation, and relaxing atmosphere. People go to Aurora for fun activities like sailing, golfing, fast-pitch softball, art, and live theatre.
The city of Aurora also manages more than 100 parks, with more than 6,000 acres of open space and natural areas. In addition, there are six award-winning municipal golf courses: Aurora Hills, Meadow Hills, Murphy Creek, Saddle Rock, Springhill, and Fitzsimons. There are various privately owned golf courses like CommonGround Golf Course, Heather Ridge Country Club, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, John F. Kennedy Golf Course, and Valley Country Club.
The Aurora Fox Theatre & Arts Center is a historic landmark and performing arts center, with 245-seats. In addition, the Aurora History Museum is a community-based cultural center with a permanent exhibit on Aurora history. Two changing exhibit galleries focus on history and decorative arts.
The Aurora Symphony Orchestra has a full season of orchestra concerts every year and smaller chamber ensemble performances.
History/Data
Aurora was founded in the 1880s, known then as the town of Fletcher. Its name came from Denver businessman Donald Fletcher who viewed Aurora as a real estate opportunity. Along with his business partners, he staked out four square miles east of Denver. However, this town started to struggle once the Silver Crash of 1893 came into play.
LGBTQ+ Facts
Aurora has a highly active, thriving, accepting, and welcoming LGBTQ+ community. Aurora, along with the greater Denver metro area, continually shows their support for its LGBTQ+ population and offers various resources and community centers. These include:
The Center on Colfax
Originating in 1976, The Center on Colfax is now the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Rocky Mountain region. This organization aims to give voice to Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community and plays a vital role in state initiatives to minimize discrimination and harassment against the queer community. In addition, the Center does its part to ensure that each member of the LGBTQ+ community has access to programs, resources, networking, and social opportunities.
One Colorado
One Colorado is the leading advocacy organization that fights for equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. The Center works hard to provide a safe space for queer people and ensure fair treatment. In addition, they offer various opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community, friends, and allies.
Mental Health in Aurora
Colorado adults have the third-highest prevalence of mental illness across the nation. This report collected data from 2017 and 2018 and discovered Colorado has the nation’s highest percentage of adults struggling with substance abuse disorder. In addition, Colorado has the third-highest percentage of adults contemplating suicide.
In 2018, Colorado’s suicide rate hit about 22 per 100,000 in 2018 compared to a national average of 14 per 100,000 people. The national rankings for young people are also troubling.
For children and teens struggling with their mental health in Aurora, there are many treatment options. Be sure to scroll through our database on LGBTQ and ALL to find a suitable psychologist for your needs.