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

Population2000201020242029
Terra Alta1,4561,4771,4751,489

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Population by Age

Population2024
0-478
5-9103
10-1491
15-1988
20-2478
25-2982
30-34104
35-3970
40-4489
45-4968
50-5489
55-59117
60-6492
65-69102
70-7493
75-7963
80-8441
85+27
18+1,143
Median Age42

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Population by Race

Terra Alta2024
Total1,475.00
White Alone94.71%
Black Alone0.75%
American Indian Alone0.27%
Asian Alone0.07%
Pacific Islander Alone0%
Some Other Race1.02%
Two or More Races3.19%
Hispanic Origin1.36%
Diversity Index12.60

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Growth Rate

Terra Alta2024 - 2029
Population0.19%
Households0.39%
Families0.05%
Median Household Income3%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020242029
Households596610618630
Housing Units690700743744
Owner Occupied Units457477
Renter Occupied Units161153
Vacant Units125114

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Home Value

Terra Alta20242029
Median Home Value$114,583$173,929
Average Home Value$168,381$233,805
<$50,00011287
$50,000 - $99,9999965
$100,000 - $149,9996053
$150,000 - $199,9997070
$200,000 - $249,9992833
$250,000 - $299,9993041
$300,000 - $399,9993054
$400,000 - $499,999410
$500,000 - $749,9992061
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later29
2000-200976
1990-199912
1980-198951
1970-1979185
1960-1969113
1950-195936
1940-194930
1939 or Before255

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Income

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Income

Terra Alta20242029
Median Household$45,632$53,031
Average Household$61,251$69,426
Per Capita$25,674$29,385

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Household Income

Terra Alta2024
<$15,000127
$15,000 - $24,99947
$25,000 - $34,99987
$35,000 - $49,99963
$50,000 - $74,999123
$75,000 - $99,99976
$100,000 - $149,99966
$150,000 - $199,99921
$200,000+8

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+810
In-County Residents305
Out-of-County Residents100
Drive Alone604
Carpooled156
Public Transport8
Work at Home31
Motorcycle0
Bicycle0
Walked11
Other0
Less than 5 minutes50
5-9 minutes64
10-14 minutes99
15-19 minutes37
20-24 minutes149
25-29 minutes70
30-34 minutes84
35-39 minutes17
40-44 minutes7
45-59 minutes82
60-89 minutes82
90+ minutes38
Average Travel Time32

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees492
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt4
Mining0
Utilities4
Construction14
Manufacturing6
Wholesale Trade4
  
Retail Trade114
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers5
Furn & Home Furnish Str43
Electronics & Appl Store0
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip2
Food & Beverage Stores40
Health/Pers Care Stores7
Gasoline Stations6
Clothing/Accessory Store0
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music1
General Merchandise Str10
  
Transportation/Warehouse7
Information50
  
Finance & Insurance16
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn12
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv0
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other4
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing7
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv28
Legal Services0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt1
Educational Services104
HealthCare/Social Assist32
Arts/Entertainment/Rec5
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs25
Accommodation0
Food Srv/Drinking Places25
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin29
Auto Repair/Maintenance2
Public Administration Emp42

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

Educational Attainment (25+)

Terra Alta2024
<9th Grade42
Some High School121
GED88
Graduated High School409
Some College/No Degree170
Associates Degree79
Bachelor's Degree83
Graduate Degree45

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses66
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 Bus3
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 Bus12
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus1
Public Administration Bus5

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-26

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