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 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!
Terra 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.
Terra 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 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.
Old 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 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 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
Population
| Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terra Alta | 1,456 | 1,477 | 1,417 | 1,414 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Population by Age
| Population | 2026 |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | 83 |
| 5-9 | 83 |
| 10-14 | 99 |
| 15-19 | 81 |
| 20-24 | 53 |
| 25-29 | 85 |
| 30-34 | 123 |
| 35-39 | 65 |
| 40-44 | 127 |
| 45-49 | 72 |
| 50-54 | 87 |
| 55-59 | 113 |
| 60-64 | 83 |
| 65-69 | 75 |
| 70-74 | 59 |
| 75-79 | 64 |
| 80-84 | 43 |
| 85+ | 22 |
| 18+ | 1,094 |
| Median Age | 41 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Population by Race
| Terra Alta | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total | 1,417.00 |
| White Alone | 95.2% |
| Black Alone | 0.35% |
| American Indian Alone | 0.28% |
| Asian Alone | 0.07% |
| Pacific Islander Alone | 0% |
| Some Other Race | 1.13% |
| Two or More Races | 2.96% |
| Hispanic Origin | 1.27% |
| Diversity Index | 11.50 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Growth Rate
| Terra Alta | 2026 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Population | -0.04% |
| Households | 0.36% |
| Families | -0.34% |
| Median Household Income | 4% |
| Per Capita Income | 3% |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Housing
Households
| Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households | 596 | 610 | 615 | 626 |
| Housing Units | 690 | 700 | 730 | 738 |
| Owner Occupied Units | 411 | 419 | ||
| Renter Occupied Units | 204 | 207 | ||
| Vacant Units | 115 | 112 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Home Value
| Terra Alta | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $117,161 | $191,477 |
| Average Home Value | $151,527 | $239,236 |
| <$50,000 | 57 | 46 |
| $50,000 - $99,999 | 108 | 59 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 82 | 54 |
| $150,000 - $199,999 | 68 | 58 |
| $200,000 - $249,999 | 28 | 45 |
| $250,000 - $299,999 | 28 | 49 |
| $300,000 - $399,999 | 23 | 42 |
| $400,000 - $499,999 | 6 | 13 |
| $500,000 - $749,999 | 11 | 48 |
| $1,000,000 + | 0 | 0 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Housing Year Built
| Year Range | Houses Built |
|---|---|
| 2010 or Later | 67 |
| 2000-2009 | 46 |
| 1990-1999 | 5 |
| 1980-1989 | 16 |
| 1970-1979 | 182 |
| 1960-1969 | 107 |
| 1950-1959 | 42 |
| 1940-1949 | 31 |
| 1939 or Before | 264 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Back To TopIncome
Income
| Terra Alta | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household | $44,293 | $52,655 |
| Average Household | $58,375 | $66,738 |
| Per Capita | $25,370 | $29,582 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Household Income
| Terra Alta | 2026 |
|---|---|
| <$15,000 | 93 |
| $15,000 - $24,999 | 62 |
| $25,000 - $34,999 | 113 |
| $35,000 - $49,999 | 62 |
| $50,000 - $74,999 | 126 |
| $75,000 - $99,999 | 57 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 62 |
| $150,000 - $199,999 | 33 |
| $200,000+ | 7 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Back To TopEmployees
Commute
| Category | Commuters |
|---|---|
| Workers 16+ | 785 |
| In-County Residents | 306 |
| Out-of-County Residents | 99 |
| Drive Alone | 653 |
| Carpooled | 88 |
| Public Transport | 10 |
| Work at Home | 24 |
| Motorcycle | 0 |
| Bicycle | 0 |
| Walked | 6 |
| Other | 4 |
| Less than 5 minutes | 51 |
| 5-9 minutes | 49 |
| 10-14 minutes | 100 |
| 15-19 minutes | 75 |
| 20-24 minutes | 112 |
| 25-29 minutes | 73 |
| 30-34 minutes | 145 |
| 35-39 minutes | 21 |
| 40-44 minutes | 10 |
| 45-59 minutes | 58 |
| 60-89 minutes | 47 |
| 90+ minutes | 20 |
| Average Travel Time | 28 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Employees by NAICS
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Employees | 335 |
| Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt | 2 |
| Mining | 0 |
| Utilities | 4 |
| Construction | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
| Wholesale Trade | 3 |
| Retail Trade | 57 |
| Motor Veh/Parts Dealers | 7 |
| Furn & Home Furnish Str | 2 |
| Electronics & Appl Store | 0 |
| Bldg Matl/Garden Equip | 2 |
| Food & Beverage Stores | 20 |
| Health/Pers Care Stores | 7 |
| Gasoline Stations | 7 |
| Clothing/Accessory Store | 0 |
| Sports/Hobby/Book/Music | 2 |
| General Merchandise Str | 10 |
| Transportation/Warehouse | 7 |
| Information | 10 |
| Finance & Insurance | 15 |
| Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn | 12 |
| Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv | 0 |
| Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other | 3 |
| Real Estate/Rent/Leasing | 3 |
| Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv | 31 |
| Legal Services | 0 |
| Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises | 0 |
| Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt | 2 |
| Educational Services | 59 |
| HealthCare/Social Assist | 32 |
| Arts/Entertainment/Rec | 5 |
| Accommodation/Food Srvcs | 31 |
| Accommodation | 0 |
| Food Srv/Drinking Places | 31 |
| Other Srv excl Pub Admin | 23 |
| Auto Repair/Maintenance | 2 |
| Public Administration Emp | 33 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Educational Attainment (25+)
| Terra Alta | 2026 |
|---|---|
| <9th Grade | 41 |
| Some High School | 131 |
| GED | 66 |
| Graduated High School | 411 |
| Some College/No Degree | 166 |
| Associates Degree | 78 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 73 |
| Graduate Degree | 52 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
Back To TopBusinesses
Businesses by NAICS
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Businesses | 60 |
| Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus | 1 |
| Mining Bus | 0 |
| Utilities Bus | 2 |
| Construction Bus | 2 |
| Manufacturing Bus | 2 |
| Wholesale Trade Bus | 1 |
| Retail Trade Bus | 12 |
| Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus | 2 |
| Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus | 1 |
| Electronics & Appl Store Bus | 0 |
| Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus | 1 |
| Food & Beverage Stores Bus | 3 |
| Health/Pers Care Stores Bus | 1 |
| Gasoline Stations Bus | 1 |
| Clothing/Accessory Store Bus | 0 |
| Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus | 1 |
| General Merchandise Str Bus | 2 |
| Transportation/Warehouse Bus | 1 |
| Information Bus | 2 |
| Finance & Insurance Bus | 3 |
| Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus | 1 |
| Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus | 0 |
| Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus | 2 |
| Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus | 2 |
| Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus | 5 |
| Legal Services Bus | 0 |
| Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus | 0 |
| Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus | 1 |
| Educational Services Bus | 2 |
| HealthCare/Social Assist Bus | 3 |
| Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus | 2 |
| Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus | 4 |
| Accommodation Bus | 0 |
| Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus | 4 |
| Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus | 9 |
| Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus | 1 |
| Public Administration Bus | 4 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
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