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

Population2000201020252030
Aurora185201190188

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Population by Age

Population2025
0-412
5-98
10-1416
15-198
20-244
25-298
30-3413
35-398
40-446
45-4912
50-5410
55-5916
60-649
65-6923
70-7418
75-799
80-847
85+3
18+147
Median Age50

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Population by Race

Aurora2025
Total190.00
White Alone95.26%
Black Alone0%
American Indian Alone0%
Asian Alone0%
Pacific Islander Alone0%
Some Other Race1.05%
Two or More Races3.68%
Hispanic Origin0.53%
Diversity Index10.10

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Growth Rate

Aurora2025 - 2030
Population-0.21%
Households0.00%
Families-2.33%
Median Household Income1%
Per Capita Income2%

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020252030
Households85868383
Housing Units96989292
Owner Occupied Units7468
Renter Occupied Units915
Vacant Units99

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Home Value

Aurora20252030
Median Home Value$98,000$218,750
Average Home Value$136,791$223,566
<$50,0002915
$50,000 - $99,99996
$100,000 - $149,99930
$150,000 - $199,9991510
$200,000 - $249,99958
$250,000 - $299,99948
$300,000 - $399,99957
$400,000 - $499,999414
$500,000 - $749,99900
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later10
2000-20090
1990-199911
1980-198918
1970-197915
1960-19690
1950-19590
1940-194927
1939 or Before58

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Income

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Income

Aurora20252030
Median Household$43,942$46,383
Average Household$52,574$58,173
Per Capita$22,966$25,683

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Household Income

Aurora2025
<$15,00013
$15,000 - $24,9999
$25,000 - $34,9995
$35,000 - $49,99920
$50,000 - $74,99919
$75,000 - $99,9998
$100,000 - $149,9998
$150,000 - $199,9991
$200,000+0

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+115
In-County Residents11
Out-of-County Residents31
Drive Alone84
Carpooled31
Public Transport0
Work at Home0
Motorcycle0
Bicycle0
Walked0
Other0
Less than 5 minutes0
5-9 minutes0
10-14 minutes0
15-19 minutes0
20-24 minutes17
25-29 minutes29
30-34 minutes31
35-39 minutes0
40-44 minutes0
45-59 minutes27
60-89 minutes11
90+ minutes0
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees52
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt0
Mining0
Utilities0
Construction5
Manufacturing0
Wholesale Trade0
  
Retail Trade16
  
Transportation/Warehouse5
Information0
  
Finance & Insurance4
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing1
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv0
Legal Services0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt5
Educational Services5
HealthCare/Social Assist3
Arts/Entertainment/Rec0
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs0
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin8
Auto Repair/Maintenance2
Public Administration Emp0

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Educational Attainment (25+)

Aurora2025
<9th Grade0
Some High School13
GED11
Graduated High School64
Some College/No Degree29
Associates Degree1
Bachelor's Degree16
Graduate Degree8

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses14
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 Bus1
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, 2025-09-30

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