| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Covington/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 1,238 | 1,930 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 174.4 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 104.7 | 158.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 279 | 234 | 370 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 104.7 | 124.6 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 47 | n/a | 819.8 | 1,410.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 34.9 | 160.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 55 | n/a (estimate) | 959 | 1,696 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Covington crime rate is lower than the national average by 46.7%. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes in Covington, equivalent to 279 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 24.5%. Furthermore, Covington recorded 55 property crimes, amounting to 959 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 50.9%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Covington reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Covington to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 80% of people answered that there was very little crime in Covington and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 20% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Covington a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Covington crime rate is 47% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.19 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.15 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Covington. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Covington has decreased by 25.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 11.1%, while property crime has decreased by 28.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Covington.
In Covington, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Covington crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Covington, there are 4.66 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Covington, the average monthly rent stands at $760, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Covington | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.7 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clifton Forge, VA | 3,534 | 466 | 1,544 | 2,010 |
| Callaghan, VA | 247 | 293 | 2,122 | 2,414 |
| Selma, VA | 495 | 349 | 2,527 | 2,876 |
| Iron Gate, VA | 396 | 372 | 2,695 | 3,067 |
| Covington, VA | 5,653 | 279 | 959 | 1,238 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Windham, ME | 5,651 | 78 | 916 | 994 |
| Columbia Falls, MT | 5,651 | 262 | 2,093 | 2,354 |
| Clarion, PA | 5,650 | 305 | 1,613 | 1,917 |
| Media, PA | 5,658 | 101 | 537 | 638 |
| Marion, VA | 5,646 | 315 | 2,294 | 2,609 |
| Covington, VA | 5,653 | 279 | 959 | 1,238 |
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