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Terra Alta, West Virginia: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 39°26′40″N 79°32′38″W / 39.44444°N 79.54389°W / 39.44444; -79.54389
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Terra Alta, West Virginia
| official_name = Terra Alta, West Virginia
|settlement_type = [[Town]]
| settlement_type = [[Town]]
|nickname =
| nickname =
|motto =
| motto =

<!-- Images -->
<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline = Terra Alta Bank.jpg
| image_skyline = Terra Alta Bank.jpg
|imagesize = 250px
| imagesize = 250px
|image_caption = [[Terra Alta Bank]]
| image_caption = [[Terra Alta Bank]]
|image_flag =
| image_flag =
|image_seal =
| image_seal =

<!-- Maps -->
<!-- Maps -->
|image_map = File:Preston County West Virginia Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Terra Alta Highlighted.svg
| image_map = File:Preston County West Virginia Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Terra Alta Highlighted.svg
|mapsize = 260px
| mapsize = 260px
|map_caption = Location of Terra Alta in Preston County, West Virginia.
| map_caption = Location of Terra Alta in Preston County, West Virginia.


<!-- Location -->
<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
| subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[West Virginia]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Virginia]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in West Virginia|County]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in West Virginia|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Preston County, West Virginia|Preston]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Preston County, West Virginia|Preston]]


<!-- Government -->
<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes =
| government_footnotes =
|government_type =
| government_type =
|leader_title = Mayor
| leader_title = Mayor
|leader_name = Robert DeLauder <ref>Elected officials. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://local.wv.gov/TerraAlta/Pages/ElectedOfficials.aspx</ref>
| leader_name = Dan Hauger.<ref>Elected officials. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://local.wv.gov/TerraAlta/Pages/ElectedOfficials.aspx</ref>
|leader_title1 =
| leader_title1 =
|leader_name1 =
| leader_name1 =
|established_title =
| established_title =
|established_date =
| established_date =

<!-- Area -->
<!-- Area -->
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_54.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_54.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_magnitude =
| area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 3.07
| area_total_km2 = 3.07
|area_land_km2 = 3.07
| area_land_km2 = 3.07
|area_water_km2 = 0.00
| area_water_km2 = 0.00
|area_total_sq_mi = 1.19
| area_total_sq_mi = 1.19
|area_land_sq_mi = 1.19
| area_land_sq_mi = 1.19
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.00
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.00


<!-- Population -->
<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_est = 1498
| population_est = 1498
|pop_est_as_of = 2021
| pop_est_as_of = 2021
|population_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021">{{cite web |last1=Bureau |first1=US Census |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=US Census Bureau |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref>
| population_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021">{{cite web |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=US Census Bureau |access-date=July 3, 2022}}</ref>
|population_total = 1493
| population_total = 1415
|population_density_km2 = 488.64
| population_density_km2 = 488.64
|population_density_sq_mi = 1265.82
| population_density_sq_mi = 1265.82


<!-- General information -->
<!-- General information -->
|timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
| timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
|utc_offset = -5
| utc_offset = -5
|timezone_DST = EDT
| timezone_DST = EDT
|utc_offset_DST = -4
| utc_offset_DST = -4
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_m =
| elevation_m =
|elevation_ft = 2582
| elevation_ft = 2582
|coordinates = {{coord|39|26|40|N|79|32|38|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39|26|40|N|79|32|38|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 26764
| postal_code = 26764
|area_code = [[Area code 304|304]]
| area_code = [[Area code 304|304]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 54-79708<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank_info = 54-79708<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 1547983<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1547983}}</ref>
| blank1_info = 1547983<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1547983}}</ref>
|website =
| website = https://terraalta.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
|footnotes =
| footnotes =
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/>
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/>
|unit_pref = Imperial
| unit_pref = Imperial
}}
}}

'''Terra Alta''' is a town in [[Preston County, West Virginia|Preston County]], [[West Virginia]], United States. The population was 1,493 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]]<ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/>.
'''Terra Alta''' is a town in eastern [[Preston County, West Virginia|Preston County]], [[West Virginia]], United States. The population was 1,415 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov/en.html |access-date=December 2, 2022 |website= |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |language=EN-US}}</ref> It is part of the [[Morgantown metropolitan area]].


==History==
==History==
[[File:James S. Lakin House.jpg|thumb|left|[[James S. Lakin House]]]]
[[File:James S. Lakin House.jpg|thumb|left|[[James S. Lakin House]]]]
Terra Alta was originally called Portland, and under the latter name had its start in the 1850s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kenny|first=Hamill|title=West Virginia Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning, Including the Nomenclature of the Streams and Mountains|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015009099824;view=1up;seq=646;size=125|year=1945|publisher=The Place Name Press|location=Piedmont, WV|page=622}}</ref> The present name Terra Alta is derived from Latin meaning "high land".<ref>{{cite book|last=Capace|first=Nancy|title=Encyclopedia of West Virginia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K30UKW0aewgC&pg=PA193|year=1999|publisher=North American Book Dist LLC|isbn=978-0-403-09843-9|page=193}}</ref> According to the [[1876]] [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] map, Terra Alta had a railroad station called '''Cranberry Station'''.
Terra Alta was originally called Portland, and under the latter name had its start in the 1850s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kenny|first=Hamill|title=West Virginia Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning, Including the Nomenclature of the Streams and Mountains|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015009099824;view=1up;seq=646;size=125|year=1945|publisher=The Place Name Press|location=Piedmont, WV|page=622}}</ref> The present name Terra Alta is derived from Latin meaning "high land".<ref>{{cite book|last=Capace|first=Nancy|title=Encyclopedia of West Virginia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K30UKW0aewgC&pg=PA193|year=1999|publisher=North American Book Dist LLC|isbn=978-0-403-09843-9|page=193}}</ref> According to the 1876 [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] map, Terra Alta had a railroad station called '''Cranberry Station'''.


The town is home to the [[James S. Lakin House]] and [[Terra Alta Bank]], each listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
The town is home to the [[James S. Lakin House]] and [[Terra Alta Bank]], each listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Terra Alta is located at {{coord|39|26|40|N|79|32|38|W|type:city}} (39.444343, -79.544002).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>
Terra Alta is located at {{coord|39|26|40|N|79|32|38|W|type:city}} (39.444343, -79.544002).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|1.19|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2013-01-24|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=2012-01-25}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|1.19|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 24, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref>


===Climate===
===Climate===
The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Terra Alta has a [[humid continental climate]], abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=777864&cityname=Terra+Alta%2C+West+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Terra Alta, West Virginia]</ref>
The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Terra Alta has a [[humid continental climate]], abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=777864&cityname=Terra+Alta%2C+West+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Terra Alta, West Virginia]</ref>


{{weather box
{{weather box
| location = Terra Alta, West Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present)
| location = Terra Alta, West Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–2020)
| single line = y
| single line = y
| width = auto
| width = auto
Line 108: Line 107:
| Dec record high F = 74
| Dec record high F = 74
| year record high F = 95
| year record high F = 95

|Jan avg record high F = 59.0
|Feb avg record high F = 60.7
|Mar avg record high F = 69.3
|Apr avg record high F = 78.4
|May avg record high F = 81.7
|Jun avg record high F = 83.3
|Jul avg record high F = 85.2
|Aug avg record high F = 84.4
|Sep avg record high F = 82.8
|Oct avg record high F = 76.8
|Nov avg record high F = 70.4
|Dec avg record high F = 60.6
|year avg record high F = 86.3

| Jan high F = 34.0
| Jan high F = 34.0
| Feb high F = 37.5
| Feb high F = 37.5
Line 147: Line 161:
| Dec low F = 22.7
| Dec low F = 22.7
| year low F = 38.2
| year low F = 38.2

|Jan avg record low F = -1.7
|Feb avg record low F = 1.0
|Mar avg record low F = 7.6
|Apr avg record low F = 21.4
|May avg record low F = 33.2
|Jun avg record low F = 42.6
|Jul avg record low F = 48.6
|Aug avg record low F = 48.3
|Sep avg record low F = 38.7
|Oct avg record low F = 27.3
|Nov avg record low F = 15.5
|Dec avg record low F = 5.7
|year avg record low F = -4.9

| Jan record low F = -31
| Jan record low F = -31
| Feb record low F = -26
| Feb record low F = -26
Line 217: Line 246:
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name=nws>{{cite web
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name=nws>{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=pbz
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=pbz
| title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>{{cite web
| access-date = June 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00468777&format=pdf
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00468777&format=pdf
| title = Station: Terra Alta #1, WV
| title = Station: Terra Alta #1, WV
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020)
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 13, 2021}}</ref>
| access-date = June 13, 2021}}</ref>
Line 229: Line 258:
==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{US Census population
{{US Census population
|1890= 443
| 1890 = 443
|1900= 616
| 1900 = 616
|1910= 1126
| 1910 = 1126
|1920= 1261
| 1920 = 1261
|1930= 1474
| 1930 = 1474
|1940= 1471
| 1940 = 1471
|1950= 1649
| 1950 = 1649
|1960= 1504
| 1960 = 1504
|1970= 1474
| 1970 = 1474
|1980= 1946
| 1980 = 1946
|1990= 1713
| 1990 = 1713
|2000= 1456
| 2000 = 1456
|2010= 1477
| 2010 = 1477
|2020= 1493
| 2020 = 1415
|estyear=2021
| estyear = 2021
|estimate=1498
| estimate = 1498
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/>
| estref = <ref name="USCensusEst2020-2021"/>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}


===2010 census===
===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2013-01-24}}</ref> of 2010, there were 1,477 people, 610 households, and 394 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1241.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 700 housing units at an average density of {{convert|588.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.0% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.5% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.1% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 0.5% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.9% of the population.
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 24, 2013}}</ref> of 2010, there were 1,477 people, 610 households, and 394 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1241.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 700 housing units at an average density of {{convert|588.2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.0% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.5% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.1% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 0.5% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.9% of the population.


There were 610 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.92.
There were 610 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.92.
Line 257: Line 286:


===2000 census===
===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 1,456 people, 596 households, and 417 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was 1,220.1 inhabitants per square mile (472.4/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 690 housing units at an average density of 578.2 per square mile (223.9/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the town was 99.18% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.14% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.07% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.07% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.07% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.48% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.34% of the population.
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 1,456 people, 596 households, and 417 families living in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1,220.1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|inhabitants&nbsp;|inhabitants|}}. There were 690 housing units at an average density of {{convert|578.2|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the town was 99.18% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.14% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.07% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.07% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.07% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.48% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.34% of the population.


There were 596 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.90.
There were 596 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.90.

Latest revision as of 23:12, 26 July 2024

Terra Alta, West Virginia
Town
Terra Alta Bank
Terra Alta Bank
Location of Terra Alta in Preston County, West Virginia.
Location of Terra Alta in Preston County, West Virginia.
Coordinates: 39°26′40″N 79°32′38″W / 39.44444°N 79.54389°W / 39.44444; -79.54389
CountryUnited States
StateWest Virginia
CountyPreston
Government
 • MayorDan Hauger.[1]
Area
[2]
 • Total1.19 sq mi (3.07 km2)
 • Land1.19 sq mi (3.07 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[3]
2,582 ft (787 m)
Population
 (2020)[4]
 • Total1,415
 • Estimate 
(2021)[4]
1,498
 • Density1,265.82/sq mi (488.64/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
26764
Area code304
FIPS code54-79708[5]
GNIS feature ID1547983[3]
Websitehttps://terraalta.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Terra Alta is a town in eastern Preston County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 1,415 at the 2020 census.[6] It is part of the Morgantown metropolitan area.

History

[edit]
James S. Lakin House

Terra Alta was originally called Portland, and under the latter name had its start in the 1850s.[7] The present name Terra Alta is derived from Latin meaning "high land".[8] According to the 1876 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad map, Terra Alta had a railroad station called Cranberry Station.

The town is home to the James S. Lakin House and Terra Alta Bank, each listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[9]

Geography

[edit]

Terra Alta is located at 39°26′40″N 79°32′38″W / 39.44444°N 79.54389°W / 39.44444; -79.54389 (39.444343, -79.544002).[10]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.19 square miles (3.08 km2), all land.[11]

Climate

[edit]

The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Terra Alta has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[12]

Climate data for Terra Alta, West Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 72
(22) 		74
(23) 		81
(27) 		88
(31) 		89
(32) 		91
(33) 		95
(35) 		94
(34) 		93
(34) 		84
(29) 		78
(26) 		74
(23) 		95
(35)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 59.0
(15.0) 		60.7
(15.9) 		69.3
(20.7) 		78.4
(25.8) 		81.7
(27.6) 		83.3
(28.5) 		85.2
(29.6) 		84.4
(29.1) 		82.8
(28.2) 		76.8
(24.9) 		70.4
(21.3) 		60.6
(15.9) 		86.3
(30.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 34.0
(1.1) 		37.5
(3.1) 		46.2
(7.9) 		58.9
(14.9) 		66.5
(19.2) 		73.2
(22.9) 		76.7
(24.8) 		75.7
(24.3) 		70.2
(21.2) 		59.8
(15.4) 		48.6
(9.2) 		38.5
(3.6) 		57.1
(13.9)
Daily mean °F (°C) 25.8
(−3.4) 		28.5
(−1.9) 		36.2
(2.3) 		47.7
(8.7) 		56.3
(13.5) 		63.5
(17.5) 		67.4
(19.7) 		66.3
(19.1) 		60.5
(15.8) 		49.9
(9.9) 		39.4
(4.1) 		30.6
(−0.8) 		47.7
(8.7)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 17.7
(−7.9) 		19.5
(−6.9) 		26.2
(−3.2) 		36.5
(2.5) 		46.1
(7.8) 		53.9
(12.2) 		58.1
(14.5) 		56.8
(13.8) 		50.7
(10.4) 		39.9
(4.4) 		30.3
(−0.9) 		22.7
(−5.2) 		38.2
(3.4)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −1.7
(−18.7) 		1.0
(−17.2) 		7.6
(−13.6) 		21.4
(−5.9) 		33.2
(0.7) 		42.6
(5.9) 		48.6
(9.2) 		48.3
(9.1) 		38.7
(3.7) 		27.3
(−2.6) 		15.5
(−9.2) 		5.7
(−14.6) 		−4.9
(−20.5)
Record low °F (°C) −31
(−35) 		−26
(−32) 		−9
(−23) 		8
(−13) 		17
(−8) 		27
(−3) 		35
(2) 		34
(1) 		18
(−8) 		8
(−13) 		−8
(−22) 		−22
(−30) 		−31
(−35)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.70
(119) 		4.28
(109) 		5.01
(127) 		5.00
(127) 		5.36
(136) 		5.55
(141) 		5.81
(148) 		4.85
(123) 		4.13
(105) 		3.83
(97) 		3.85
(98) 		4.64
(118) 		57.01
(1,448)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 44.1
(112) 		36.3
(92) 		28.2
(72) 		12.1
(31) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		3.7
(9.4) 		15.7
(40) 		30.9
(78) 		171.1
(435)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 21.5 18.2 17.8 16.6 16.5 14.9 14.0 13.4 11.6 12.5 15.3 19.9 192.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 15.9 13.3 9.8 4.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 5.5 12.2 62.4
Source: NOAA[13][14]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1890443—
190061639.1%
19101,12682.8%
19201,26112.0%
19301,47416.9%
19401,471−0.2%
19501,64912.1%
19601,504−8.8%
19701,474−2.0%
19801,94632.0%
19901,713−12.0%
20001,456−15.0%
20101,4771.4%
20201,415−4.2%
2021 (est.)1,498[4]5.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[15]

2010 census

[edit]

As of the census[16] of 2010, there were 1,477 people, 610 households, and 394 families living in the town. The population density was 1,241.2 inhabitants per square mile (479.2/km2). There were 700 housing units at an average density of 588.2 units per square mile (227.1 units/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.0% White, 0.7% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 610 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the town was 38.8 years. 24.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 27.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 1,456 people, 596 households, and 417 families living in the town. The population density was 1,220.1 inhabitants per square mile (471.1 inhabitants/km2). There were 690 housing units at an average density of 578.2 units per square mile (223.2 units/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.18% White, 0.14% African American, 0.07% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.34% of the population.

There were 596 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,388, and the median income for a family was $32,692. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $17,950 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,040. About 15.6% of families and 18.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.5% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Elected officials. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2021, from https://local.wv.gov/TerraAlta/Pages/ElectedOfficials.aspx
  2. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  3. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Terra Alta, West Virginia
  4. ^ a b c "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021". Census.gov. US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  6. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  7. ^ Kenny, Hamill (1945). West Virginia Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning, Including the Nomenclature of the Streams and Mountains. Piedmont, WV: The Place Name Press. p. 622.
  8. ^ Capace, Nancy (1999). Encyclopedia of West Virginia. North American Book Dist LLC. p. 193. ISBN 978-0-403-09843-9.
  9. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  10. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  11. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  12. ^ Climate Summary for Terra Alta, West Virginia
  13. ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  14. ^ "Station: Terra Alta #1, WV". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  15. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  16. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
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