Terra Alta, WV

Full City Profile · West Virginia · Preston County County

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,992 Population 1,674/sq mi density
$50,035 Median Income $21,201 per capita
$95,900 Home Value $173,452 Zillow
$744 Median Rent 31.1% income on rent
48°F Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.0 / 5.0
$50,035 median income, 8.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$95,900 home value, $744/mo rent
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
6.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Terra Alta, WV

At a Glance

Median Income
$50,035
33% below
$21,201 per capita
Home Value
$95,900
66% below
Zillow: $173,452
Median Rent
$744/mo
36% below
31.1% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
6.9%
80% below
78.1% high school+
Unemployment
8.9%
147% above
25.2% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% above
23.9% smoking rate
Avg Temperature
48°F

How Terra Alta Compares to the U.S. Average

Each bar shows Terra Alta's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)

Income
67%
Home Value
34%
Rent
64%
Poverty
203%
Bachelor's
20%
Unemployment
247%
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)

Is Terra Alta a Good Place to Live?

C+
2.9 / 5.0 - Fair
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.

Economy & Jobs

Terra Alta residents earn a median household income of $50,035 , which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,201. The unemployment rate stands at 8.9% (147% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 25.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 884 business establishments, including 31 restaurants.

Housing & Cost of Living

The median home value in Terra Alta is $95,900 , 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home at $173,452. Median rent is $744/month, with 31.1% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 89.5 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1966.

Education

6.9% of adults in Terra Alta hold a bachelor's degree or higher (80% below the national average). 78.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 4.5/10 in standardized testing.

Climate & Weather

Terra Alta has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.0 inches.

Data Overview

People

Population1,992
Median Age29.8 yrs
Density1,674/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Foreign Born0.2%
Veterans13.6%

Economy

C
Median Income$50,035
Per Capita$21,201
Unemployment8.9%
Poverty25.2%
County GDP$1,012M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,065

Housing

A+
Home Value$95,900
Rent$744
Ownership71.7%
Zillow$173,452
Housing Units787
Rent Burden31.1%

Health

Obesity39.4%
Diabetes14.1%
Smoking23.9%
Heart Disease7.6%
Premature Death11,315/100K

Climate

Avg Temp48°F
Rain57.0 in/yr
Elevation2,588 ft

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+78.1%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score4.5/10

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 20%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.2%
Internet Speed84 Mbps
EV Stations1
Libraries2

Did You Know?

The median home in Terra Alta was built in 1966.
The nearest airport is Greater Cumberland Regional (43 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.416 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
15.2% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 6 fatal vehicle crashes.