Aurora

History of Aurora

Aurora traces its origins to the summit of Cheat Mountain, where Reverend John Stough established the first settlement in 1787. John Wheeler relocated to Aurora in 1800, followed by several other families who settled nearby. Initially known as Salem and later renamed Mount Carmel, the town eventually adopted the name Aurora due to its high altitude.

Aurora Today: What Makes Us Unique

cathedral state parkCathedral State Park

Located on the summit of Cheat Mountain, Aurora is a prime spot for visitors attracted to its high altitude and crisp, clean air, gentle rolling mountains and deep forests. Designated a National Natural Landmark, Cathedral State Park is West Virginia’s largest old-growth forest and is home to one of the largest stands of virgin hemlock in the state. Hiking through the 133-acre park offers miles of trails, original photography opportunities against endless varieties of flowers and trees.

sheepFarming

Preston County boasts over 1000 small family farms. Farming and timber have been part of the solid foundation of Aurora. Dairy farms, beef cattle, crops, and sheep farms are all located in this area. Local foods are abundant in Aurora and around Preston County. 

The logging companies in the Aurora area and around Preston County responsibly harvest trees for the hardwoods industry and maintain the natural forests in the area.

jacobs ladderJacob’s Ladder

Drawing its name from the area's high altitude, Jacob's Ladder addiction treatment community is nested in the gentle rolling mountains, forest, and pasture of Aurora. The unique setting allows for historical farming and forestry practices to be integral pieces of the healing allowed for here. The Netflix documentary, “The Recovery Boys” was filmed here.

brookside innBrookside Inn

Built near the turn of the nineteenth century as part of a resort complex for those seeking to escape the busy city life of the East Coast, the Brookside Inn maintains the hospitality, spirit and traditions of those times. The cozy retreat is on the National Register of Historic Places.

aurora schoolAurora School

Aurora is proud of its Aurora School, which serves students in prekindergarten through eighth-grade.

 

Population

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Population

Population2000201020242029
Aurora185201196191

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Population by Age

Population2024
0-414
5-98
10-148
15-198
20-243
25-297
30-3411
35-3913
40-449
45-4911
50-5412
55-5910
60-6423
65-6922
70-7415
75-797
80-849
85+6
18+160
Median Age53

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Population by Race

Aurora2024
Total196.00
White Alone96.43%
Black Alone0%
American Indian Alone0%
Asian Alone0%
Pacific Islander Alone0%
Some Other Race1.02%
Two or More Races2.55%
Hispanic Origin0.51%
Diversity Index7.90

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Growth Rate

Aurora2024 - 2029
Population-0.52%
Households-0.24%
Families-5.90%
Median Household Income0%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020242029
Households85868382
Housing Units96989292
Owner Occupied Units7072
Renter Occupied Units1310
Vacant Units910

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Home Value

Aurora20242029
Median Home Value$169,231$190,000
Average Home Value$190,357$200,694
<$50,0001819
$50,000 - $99,999107
$100,000 - $149,99922
$150,000 - $199,9991310
$200,000 - $249,99988
$250,000 - $299,99926
$300,000 - $399,999410
$400,000 - $499,9991310
$500,000 - $749,99900
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later10
2000-20090
1990-19999
1980-19898
1970-197912
1960-19690
1950-19590
1940-194917
1939 or Before51

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Income

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Income

Aurora20242029
Median Household$52,681$53,377
Average Household$60,501$67,543
Per Capita$25,620$28,998

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Household Income

Aurora2024
<$15,0009
$15,000 - $24,99911
$25,000 - $34,9992
$35,000 - $49,99916
$50,000 - $74,99921
$75,000 - $99,99914
$100,000 - $149,9999
$150,000 - $199,9990
$200,000+1

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+93
In-County Residents0
Out-of-County Residents27
Drive Alone68
Carpooled25
Public Transport0
Work at Home0
Motorcycle0
Bicycle0
Walked0
Other0
Less than 5 minutes0
5-9 minutes0
10-14 minutes0
15-19 minutes0
20-24 minutes16
25-29 minutes18
30-34 minutes25
35-39 minutes0
40-44 minutes0
45-59 minutes24
60-89 minutes10
90+ minutes0
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees60
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt0
Mining0
Utilities0
Construction4
Manufacturing0
Wholesale Trade0
  
Retail Trade17
  
Transportation/Warehouse5
Information0
  
Finance & Insurance3
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing1
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv0
Legal Services0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt5
Educational Services0
HealthCare/Social Assist16
Arts/Entertainment/Rec0
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs0
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin9
Auto Repair/Maintenance2
Public Administration Emp0

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Educational Attainment (25+)

Aurora2024
<9th Grade12
Some High School6
GED11
Graduated High School76
Some College/No Degree24
Associates Degree1
Bachelor's Degree13
Graduate Degree12

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses13
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus0
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus0
Construction Bus1
Manufacturing Bus0
Wholesale Trade Bus0
  
Retail Trade Bus3
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus1
Information Bus0
  
Finance & Insurance Bus1
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus1
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus0
Legal Services Bus0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus1
Educational Services Bus0
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus1
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus0
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus0
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus4
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus1
Public Administration Bus0

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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