Aurora

History of Aurora

On the summit of Cheat Mountain, the first settlement in Aurora was made in 1787 by the Reverend John Stough. John Wheeler moved to Aurora in 1800, while other families continued to settle nearby. Originally a German settlement, the town was named Salem and later became Mount Carmel. The current name, Aurora, was suggested because of the town's 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

Total Population

190

Population
Growth Rate

-0.97%

Median Age

55

Diversity Index

9.100

Housing & Income

Households

81

Total Housing Units

92


Owner Occupied

72

Renter Occupied

9

Vacant

11

Median Home Value

$110,000


Average Home Value

$127,778

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.64%

Income Projection

Median Household

$56,817 $51,828


Average Household

$62,909 $69,992


Per Capita

$26,819 $30,549

Workforce

Total Businesses

12

Total Employed

63

Workers 16+

62

2023 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

17

2023 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

16

2023 Other Service excl Pub Admin

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

9

2023 Building Matl / Garden Equip

N

Businesses

1

Employed

9

2023 Arts / Entertainment / Rec

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

7

2023 General Merchandise Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

7

Some
High School

5

Graduated
High School

73

Associates
Degree

1

Bachelor's
Degree

22

Graduate
Degree

6

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

19

Non-Resident Commuters

10

Drive Alone

46

Carpooled

11

Public

0

Work At Home

0

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