| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Covington/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 81 | n/a (estimate) | 1,467 | 1,788 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 36.2 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 144.9 | 152.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 181 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 181.1 | 108.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 59 | n/a | 1,068.4 | 1,315.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 36.2 | 145.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 1,286 | 1,570 | 1,760 |

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 30.8%. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes in Covington, equivalent to 181 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 49.6%. Furthermore, Covington recorded 71 property crimes, amounting to 1286 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 27%.
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 31% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.22 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.19 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Covington. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Covington has decreased by 14.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 44.4%, while property crimes have decreased by 7.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Covington, 77.2% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Covington, the cost of living is 12.88% lower than the national average.
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 $1,155, while the national average is $1,444 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 | 3,667 | 210 | 1,557 | 1,767 |
| Callaghan, VA | 252 | 233 | 1,678 | 1,910 |
| Iron Gate, VA | 404 | 340 | 2,449 | 2,789 |
| Selma, VA | 512 | 352 | 2,532 | 2,884 |
| Covington, VA | 5,839 | 181 | 1,286 | 1,467 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Turpin Hills, OH | 5,840 | 96 | 504 | 600 |
| Paola, KS | 5,838 | 173 | 1,209 | 1,382 |
| Lucerne Valley, CA | 5,837 | 594 | 2,539 | 3,133 |
| Addis, LA | 5,837 | 141 | 693 | 834 |
| Solvang, CA | 5,836 | 68 | 929 | 996 |
| Covington, VA | 5,839 | 181 | 1,286 | 1,467 |