Terra Alta, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,841
-7.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,536/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
760
-1.4% year-over-year change

Terra Alta population

How many people live in Terra Alta

Terra Alta is home to 1,841 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Terra Alta locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
1,841
-7.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
886
Female
51.9%
955
Value Percent YoY change
Male 886 48.1% -8.6%
Female 955 51.9% -6.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Terra Alta is 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 19.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.5% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
19.2%
25 to 44
24.5%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 367 19.9% -14.1%
15 to 24 354 19.2% 8.6%
25 to 44 451 24.5% -18.6%
45 to 64 412 22.4% 3.0%
Over 65 257 14% -9.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Terra Alta, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 14.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,832 99.5% -7.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9 0.5% 12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
84.2%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,550 84.2%
Black or African American 20 1.1%
Two or more races 271 14.7%

Households in Terra Alta

A peek inside Terra Alta households

Terra Alta has 637 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.2% are families, while the remaining 37.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
637
-8.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
241
Family households
396
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 241 37.8% 6.2%
Family households 396 62.2% -15.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Terra Alta

The housing landscape of Terra Alta

Terra Alta's housing consists of 760 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 18.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
760
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 530 69.7%
1 unit, attached 3 0.4%
2 units 22 2.9%
3 or 4 units 31 4.1%
10 to 19 units 3 0.4%
20 to 49 units 32 4.2%
Mobile home 139 18.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Terra Alta

In Terra Alta, the median construction year is 1964. About 34.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 264 34.7% 10.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 4.1% -16.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 42 5.5% -8.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 107 14.1% -20.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 182 24% 12.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 16 2.1% -74.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5 0.7% -16.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 46 6% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 67 8.8% 76.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Terra Alta occupancy rates

Out of the 637 occupied housing units in Terra Alta, 69.2% are owner-occupied, while 30.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
637
-8.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
196
Owner occupied
441
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 196 30.8% -0.5%
Owner occupied 441 69.2% -11.4%
Unoccupied housing units
16.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Terra Alta housing costs

Housing costs in Terra Alta come to a median of $707 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $742.

Median housing costs per month
$707/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Terra Alta
$742/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Terra Alta

Terra Alta education at a glance

About 65.5% of the population in Terra Alta went to high school, while 14.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 8.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 36 2.7% -2.7%
High school diploma 863 65.5% -14.3%
College diploma 196 14.9% -3.9%
Associate degree 91 6.9% 13.8%
Bachelor's degree 115 8.7% 21.1%
Graduate degree 17 1.3% -22.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Terra Alta

How much people earn in Terra Alta

The average annual household income in Terra Alta was $58,490 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,536, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Terra Alta
$58,490/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Terra Alta
$50,536/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Terra Alta income by age

In Terra Alta, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,868. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,179 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,781, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,893 in earnings. Overall, 70.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,781 N/A
25 - 44 $52,868 -0.3%
45 - 64 $60,179 18.3%
Over 65 $50,893 11.0%
Above poverty level
1,286
Below poverty level
531
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,286 70.8% -2.5%
Below poverty level 531 29.2% -18.9%

Average renter income in Terra Alta

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Terra Alta, their median household income was $32,460 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,460
Rent-to-income ratio
27.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Terra Alta

Workforce and job types in Terra Alta

The job market in Terra Alta is powered by 785 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 70.7% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
785
-3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
572
Blue collar
213
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 572 72.9% -0.5%
Blue collar 213 27.1% -10.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
70.7%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 65 8.3% -8.4%
Private companies 555 70.7% 3.2%
Governmental workers 130 16.6% -20.7%
Not for profit companies 35 4.5% -10.3%
Unemployment rate
9.5%
3.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Terra Alta stands at 9.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Terra Alta

How people get around in Terra Alta

Commuting methods vary: 94.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 741 94.4% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 10 1.3% 400.0%
Walk 6 0.8% -71.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Terra Alta by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26764 4,175 1,731 $61,010 $70,131

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FAQs about Terra Alta demographics 

What is the total population of Terra Alta?

Terra Alta has a total population of 1,841 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -7.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Terra Alta?

The gender ratio in Terra Alta is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (886 residents)
  • 51.9% females (955 residents)

What is the median age in Terra Alta?

The median age in Terra Alta is 29.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Terra Alta?

The age distribution in Terra Alta is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (367 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19.2% (354 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.5% (451 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (412 residents)
  • Over 65: 14% (257 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Terra Alta?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Terra Alta is as follows:
  • White: 84.2% (1,550 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (20 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.7% (271 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Terra Alta are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Terra Alta.

How many housing units are there in Terra Alta?

There are 760 housing units in Terra Alta, reflecting a -1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Terra Alta and what is the average household size?

Terra Alta has a total of 637 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Terra Alta?

Terra Alta has a median household income of $50,536, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Terra Alta?

The employment rate is 90.5% in Terra Alta, with a workforce of 785 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.9% (572 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.1% (213 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (65 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.7% (555 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (130 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (35 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025