Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Covington, VA
Considering a move to Covington, VA? This small city of 5,600 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $98,000 and average rent at just $650. Residents enjoy a short 16-minute average commute, 60% sunny days, and easy access to healthcare at LewisGale Hospital. Crime rates are moderate, and local schools offer low student-teacher ratios. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly housing or a relaxed lifestyle in the scenic Blue Ridge foothills, Covington provides a welcoming community and a slower pace of life.
Demographics - Covington, VA
Demographics - Covington, VA
Covington is a close-knit city of about 5,600 residents, with a median age of 46 and a population density of 950 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a small but present Black and minority population, and a balanced gender ratio. This city offers a mature and stable environment, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
5,600
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
11.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Covington, VA?
Covington boasts a very affordable cost of living, with median home values near $98,000 and average rents at $650, well below national averages. Utility and insurance costs are manageable, and the overall cost of living index of 75 makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals or families. State taxes remain moderate, offering additional savings.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
75.0
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
52.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
94.1
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Covington, VA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Covington are moderate, with violent crime at 218 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime. While these rates are not among the lowest, the community remains generally safe with a small-town atmosphere. Residents can enjoy peace of mind with standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
218
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,318
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 459
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Covington, VA year-round?
Covington experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 85°F and winters averaging lows of 24°F. The city enjoys about 60% sunny days each year and receives roughly 43 inches of rainfall annually. This climate supports outdoor activities throughout the changing seasons.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Local households in Covington have a median income of $42,800, with a family income averaging $55,100, though the area has a 20% poverty rate. Commutes are short, averaging just over 16 minutes, and public transport usage is low, reflecting the city’s small-town nature. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, fostering a friendly and stable community.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$42,800
Family Income:
$55,100
Per Capita Income:
$23,900
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$23,400
Poverty Rate:
20.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.5%
Bachelors or More:
12.3%
Education
How are the schools in Covington, VA?
Education in Covington features small class sizes and personalized attention, with public schools like Covington High School offering a student-teacher ratio of about 12 to 1. Private schooling options are available, and higher education is accessible just seven miles away at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. The area fosters a supportive learning environment across all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Covington High School
Street:
606 S Lexington Ave
Phone:
540-965-1410
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Edgemont Primary School
Street:
1600 Edgemont Dr
Phone:
540-965-1400
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Academy
Street:
540 N Jefferson Ave
Phone:
540-962-6203
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
City:
Clifton Forge
State:
VA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, offering comprehensive general and emergency care close to home. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, Covington ensures solid healthcare support. The city’s healthcare index of 72.3 reflects reliable but affordable services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
LewisGale Hospital Alleghany
Address:
1 ARH Ln, Low Moor, VA 24457
Phone:
(540) 862-6011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Covington, VA?
Covington’s housing market is budget-friendly, with a median home price of $98,000 and 66% owner-occupied residences. Rental vacancies are moderate at 8.1%, and home values have seen steady appreciation of 2.1% over the past year. This market is attractive for both homebuyers and renters seeking affordability and stability.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Serving Covington residents, the Virginia DMV Select office is conveniently located on West Main Street and provides essential vehicle and licensing services. The office is easily accessible for all local motor vehicle needs, with additional information available on the state DMV website.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
DMV Select, 333 W Main St, Covington, VA 24426
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.