Terra Alta

History of Terra Alta

The Terra Alta community was founded in 1853 and is renowned as the highest point along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, sitting at an elevation of 2,582 feet above sea level. Initially called “Cranberry” and later “Cranberry Summit” due to its proximity to cranberry glades, this half-mile city holds a distinguished place as one of the oldest towns on the B & O Railroad System. Historically acclaimed as “The Jewel of the Alleghenies,” Terra Alta boasts a rich heritage.

Terra Alta Today: What Makes Us Unique

Terra Alta’s scenic beauty is a hidden treasure. The Community Park, filled with exceptional amenities, including a playground and picnic tables, welcomes families and residents. A beautiful, scenic walking trail from the TA/EP School grounds winds through the park. The spacious park is an ideal setting for group gatherings and celebrations.

Terra Alta/East Preston School

Terra Alta offers top-notch learning for students in Pre-K through Grade 8. The nurturing staff guides each student on an educational journey personalized to interests and needs. A wide variety of activities include music programs, sports, and science and social studies fairs. Terra Alta residents love supporting various youth sports on the weekends throughout the year.

alpine lakeAlpine Lake Resort

Serene Alpine Lake covers nearly 2,000 acres of wooded land and 35 miles of roads, giving easy access to 2,300 lots and amenities. Alpine Lake Resort, complete with 35 gorgeous rooms, lake access, private homes, dining and an 18-hole golf course, is special to those in Preston County. Optimal lake and pool activity, cabin rentals for lounging and multiple dining options mean you never really have to leave! 

libraryTerra Alta Public Library

The cherished library has moved multiple times, growing along the way. Not only meeting informational and educational needs, the public library offers technology resources and services to sustain lifelong learners and engage readers of all ages. 

senior centerTerra Alta Senior Center

As one of Preston County Senior Citizens, Inc., managed properties, Terra Alta Senior Center offers individuals 60+ years of age a resource for healthy activities, camaraderie and programming for health, medical and financial needs. 

ball auctionBall Auction

Terra Alta’s passion for auctions and special treasures is displayed through the many local auctions. Ball Auction holds auctions every Saturday throughout the year.

4th of july parkOld Fashion July 4th in the Park

Come together to celebrate the Fourth of July in style at Terra Alta Community Park! Local vendors, live music, food trucks, games and fireworks top off the night.

The Terra Alta Volunteer Fire Department hosts the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in West Virginia. They have a carnival as well as other events around the Fourth.

high ground brewingHigh Ground Brewing

The family-owned brewery opened in 2019 and offers a wide array of craft beers across West Virginia. The public taproom is open to all, including kids and dogs. Seasonal food trucks and events fill the calendar for year-round fun.

cranesville swampCranesville Swamp

The unique weather elements of West Virginia have created a breathtaking and rare landscape. The climactic elements have produced a natural occurrence, “frost pocket,” an area where the hills capture moisture and cold air, creating a landscape resembling the environment found further north in Canada. Cranesville Swamp is one of the coolest and soggiest spots in West Virginia. Beautiful nature, wildlife and access to trails offer the perfect learning experience, with stunning picture-perfect moments along the way.

 

 

Population

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Population

Population2000201020252030
Terra Alta1,4561,4771,4421,430

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Population by Age

Population2025
0-483
5-984
10-1493
15-1977
20-2464
25-2973
30-34111
35-3962
40-4492
45-4970
50-5479
55-59111
60-6498
65-69122
70-7482
75-7969
80-8444
85+28
18+1,129
Median Age44

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Population by Race

Terra Alta2025
Total1,442.00
White Alone95.42%
Black Alone0.62%
American Indian Alone0.21%
Asian Alone0.07%
Pacific Islander Alone0%
Some Other Race0.55%
Two or More Races3.12%
Hispanic Origin1.32%
Diversity Index11.20

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Growth Rate

Terra Alta2025 - 2030
Population-0.17%
Households0.19%
Families0.00%
Median Household Income2%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020252030
Households596610615621
Housing Units690700735739
Owner Occupied Units455434
Renter Occupied Units160187
Vacant Units120118

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Home Value

Terra Alta20252030
Median Home Value$123,798$170,313
Average Home Value$161,610$215,657
<$50,0007163
$50,000 - $99,99910775
$100,000 - $149,9997753
$150,000 - $199,9997154
$200,000 - $249,9993654
$250,000 - $299,9993643
$300,000 - $399,9993832
$400,000 - $499,999313
$500,000 - $749,9991544
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later38
2000-200946
1990-19996
1980-198962
1970-1979162
1960-1969134
1950-195946
1940-194937
1939 or Before240

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Income

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Income

Terra Alta20252030
Median Household$50,206$55,188
Average Household$60,385$67,673
Per Capita$25,760$29,395

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Household Income

Terra Alta2025
<$15,000112
$15,000 - $24,99950
$25,000 - $34,99974
$35,000 - $49,99970
$50,000 - $74,999127
$75,000 - $99,99971
$100,000 - $149,99970
$150,000 - $199,99929
$200,000+12

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+812
In-County Residents368
Out-of-County Residents65
Drive Alone623
Carpooled133
Public Transport2
Work at Home30
Motorcycle0
Bicycle0
Walked21
Other3
Less than 5 minutes79
5-9 minutes72
10-14 minutes136
15-19 minutes49
20-24 minutes125
25-29 minutes72
30-34 minutes125
35-39 minutes3
40-44 minutes13
45-59 minutes41
60-89 minutes43
90+ minutes24
Average Travel Time26

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees403
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt2
Mining0
Utilities4
Construction14
Manufacturing8
Wholesale Trade3
  
Retail Trade106
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers5
Furn & Home Furnish Str42
Electronics & Appl Store0
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip2
Food & Beverage Stores34
Health/Pers Care Stores7
Gasoline Stations4
Clothing/Accessory Store0
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music2
General Merchandise Str10
  
Transportation/Warehouse7
Information6
  
Finance & Insurance15
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn12
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv0
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other3
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing3
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv30
Legal Services0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt2
Educational Services88
HealthCare/Social Assist32
Arts/Entertainment/Rec5
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs21
Accommodation0
Food Srv/Drinking Places21
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin24
Auto Repair/Maintenance2
Public Administration Emp33

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Educational Attainment (25+)

Terra Alta2025
<9th Grade34
Some High School118
GED80
Graduated High School424
Some College/No Degree164
Associates Degree70
Bachelor's Degree93
Graduate Degree58

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses65
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus1
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus2
Construction Bus2
Manufacturing Bus2
Wholesale Trade Bus1
  
Retail Trade Bus14
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus2
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus2
Electronics & Appl Store Bus0
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus1
Food & Beverage Stores Bus4
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus1
Gasoline Stations Bus1
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus0
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus1
General Merchandise Str Bus2
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus1
Information Bus2
  
Finance & Insurance Bus3
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus1
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus0
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus2
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus2
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus6
Legal Services Bus0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus1
Educational Services Bus2
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus3
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus2
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus4
Accommodation Bus0
Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus4
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus11
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus1
Public Administration Bus4

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

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