Terra Alta

History of Terra Alta

Terra Alta community established recognition in 1853 and is known as the highest locale along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. With an elevation of 2,582 feet above sea level, the half-mile-city was known as “Cranberry” and “Cranberry Summit” for the cranberry glades located nearby.  

As one of the oldest towns listed on the B & O Railroad System, Terra Alta is historically known as “The Jewel of the Alleghenies.” 

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

Population2000201020232028
Terra Alta1,4671,5251,4291,486

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Age

Population201020232028
0-4917874
5-9856576
10-14968387
15-191047287
20-24828457
25-29869587
30-34898286
35-398880108
40-441098180
45-491058394
50-541159591
55-591138996
60-6411210299
65-69799599
70-747197103
75-79446872
80-84334256
85+213834
18+1,1881,1591,192
Median Age424545

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Race

Terra Alta2023
Total1,429.00
White Alone94.96
Black Alone0.84
American Indian Alone0.14
Asian Alone0.07
Pacific Islander Alone0.00
Some Other Race0.77
Two or More Races3.22
Hispanic Origin1.33
Diversity Index12.10

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Growth Rate

Terra Alta2023 - 2028
Population0.79%
Households0.78%
Families1.52%
Median Household Income5%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020232028
Households571598606630
Housing Units671703744757
Owner Occupied Units473501
Renter Occupied Units133129
Vacant Units138127

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Home Value

Terra Alta20232028
Median Home Value$90,041$108,333
Average Home Value$131,765$161,677
<$50,000138128
$50,000 - $99,999123112
$100,000 - $149,9997163
$150,000 - $199,9995353
$200,000 - $249,9991312
$250,000 - $299,9992437
$300,000 - $399,9993573
$400,000 - $499,99936
$500,000 - $749,9991215
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later41
2000-200957
1990-199954
1980-1989132
1970-1979137
1960-196979
1950-195936
1940-194936
1939 or Before169

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Income

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Income

Terra Alta20232028
Median Household$41,487$52,364
Average Household$60,107$70,501
Per Capita$25,499$29,899

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Household Income Base

Terra Alta2023
<$15,000128
$15,000 - $24,99956
$25,000 - $34,99982
$35,000 - $49,99973
$50,000 - $74,99998
$75,000 - $99,99965
$100,000 - $149,99961
$150,000 - $199,99928
$200,000+15

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+698
In-County Residents314
Out-of-County Residents78
Drive Alone563
Carpooled97
Public Transport0
Work at Home33
Less than 5 minutes21
5-9 minutes61
10-14 minutes87
15-19 minutes67
20-24 minutes118
25-29 minutes99
30-34 minutes70
35-39 minutes5
40-44 minutes15
45-59 minutes55
60-89 minutes38
90+ minutes27
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees353
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt0
Mining0
Utilities2
Construction11
Manufacturing12
Wholesale Trade4
  
Retail Trade53
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers5
Furn & Home Furnish Str3
Electronics & Appl Store0
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip2
Food & Beverage Stores25
Health/Pers Care Stores7
Gasoline Stations0
Clothing/Accessory Store0
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music1
General Merchandise Str10
Misc Store Retailers0
Nonstore Retailers0
  
Transportation/Warehouse7
Information5
  
Finance & Insurance20
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn19
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv0
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other1
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing7
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv28
Legal Services0
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises0
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt1
Educational Services104
HealthCare/Social Assist24
Arts/Entertainment/Rec5
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs21
Accommodation0
Food Srv/Drinking Places21
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin8
Auto Repair/Maintenance2
Public Administration Emp38

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Educational Attainment (25+)

Terra Alta2023
Some High School91
Graduated High School434
Associates Degree74
Bachelor's Degree114
Graduate Degree45

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses52
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus0
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus1
Construction Bus1
Manufacturing Bus2
Wholesale Trade Bus1
  
Retail Trade Bus11
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus2
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus1
Electronics & Appl Store Bus0
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus1
Food & Beverage Stores Bus3
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus1
Gasoline Stations Bus0
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus0
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus1
General Merchandise Str Bus2
Misc Store Retailers Bus0
Nonstore Retailers Bus0
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus1
Information Bus2
  
Finance & Insurance Bus3
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus2
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus0
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus1
  
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 Bus4
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus1
Public Administration Bus4

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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