Covington city
Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Covington city apart from the other 3,142 counties: natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (1 of 100), life expectancy is in the bottom 3% of American counties (69.3 years), and population growth is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6% a year). Within Virginia it ranks 4th of 133 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Covington city, Virginia. 5,722 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -43).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $45,737 a year, lower than 87% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,912. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 73% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Virginia takes 5.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,372 a year.

Home

The median home costs $119K, cheaper than 93% of American counties, about 1.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $639 a month. Property tax is 0.80% of home value, roughly $643 a year on that median home, lower than 55% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 76% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 37 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 69.3 years, shorter than 97% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 10.5 per 10,000 people. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.95 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 57% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 16 points. 59% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 55°F, highs near 66 and lows near 44, colder than 52% of American counties. About 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 226 Mbps down, faster than 62% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 1.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.