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

Population2000201020232028
Aurora225212190181

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Age

Population2023
0-44
5-910
10-149
15-191
20-248
25-2912
30-347
35-3912
40-445
45-4912
50-5416
55-5911
60-6421
65-6929
70-749
75-7914
80-845
85+5
18+167
Median Age55

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Race

Aurora2023
Total190.00
White Alone96.84%
Black Alone0%
American Indian Alone0%
Asian Alone0%
Pacific Islander Alone0%
Some Other Race0.53%
Two or More Races2.63%
Hispanic Origin1.58%
Diversity Index9.10

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Growth Rate

Aurora2023 - 2028
Population-0.97%
Households-0.50%
Families-0.37%
Median Household Income-2%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020232028
Households86898179
Housing Units91959292
Owner Occupied Units7271
Renter Occupied Units98
Vacant Units1113

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Home Value

Aurora20232028
Median Home Value$110,000$185,000
Average Home Value$127,778$216,901
<$50,000276
$50,000 - $99,999710
$100,000 - $149,999109
$150,000 - $199,9991415
$200,000 - $249,99945
$250,000 - $299,99945
$300,000 - $399,999412
$400,000 - $499,99929
$500,000 - $749,99900
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later2
2000-20099
1990-19994
1980-198916
1970-197912
1960-19691
1950-19593
1940-19496
1939 or Before24

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Income

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Income

Aurora20232028
Median Household$56,817$51,828
Average Household$62,909$69,992
Per Capita$26,819$30,549

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Household Income

Aurora2023
<$15,0007
$15,000 - $24,9996
$25,000 - $34,9995
$35,000 - $49,99915
$50,000 - $74,99920
$75,000 - $99,99914
$100,000 - $149,99913
$150,000 - $199,9990
$200,000+1

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+62
In-County Residents19
Out-of-County Residents10
Drive Alone46
Carpooled11
Public Transport0
Work at Home0
Motorcycle0
Bicycle0
Walked1
Other3
Less than 5 minutes4
5-9 minutes1
10-14 minutes0
15-19 minutes5
20-24 minutes7
25-29 minutes12
30-34 minutes12
35-39 minutes1
40-44 minutes1
45-59 minutes12
60-89 minutes6
90+ minutes0
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees63
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt0
Mining0
Utilities0
Construction0
Manufacturing0
Wholesale Trade0
  
Retail Trade17
  
Transportation/Warehouse5
Information0
  
Finance & Insurance3
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing1
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv0
Legal Services0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt5
Educational Services0
HealthCare/Social Assist16
Arts/Entertainment/Rec7
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs0
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin9
Auto Repair/Maintenance2
Public Administration Emp0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Educational Attainment (25+)

Aurora2023
<9th Grade8
Some High School5
GED10
Graduated High School73
Some College/No Degree33
Associates Degree1
Bachelor's Degree22
Graduate Degree6

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses12
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus0
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus0
Construction Bus0
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 Bus0
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus1
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus1
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus0
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus3
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus1
Public Administration Bus0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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