Covington 76 Exceptional
Covington Livability #112 ranked city in Virginia#3,485 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Pros and Cons of Living in Covington

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

What's it like Living in Covington?

Covington, Virginia is a small-sized city with a population of 5,839 people. According to the most recent Census, 82% of Covington residents are White, 13% Black and 1% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Covington is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Covington can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Covington and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.

Covington, VA receives 76/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #109 in Virginia and #3,281 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Covington ranks well in multiple categories! If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Covington ranks well for crime (B), education (B-) and housing (A). There are some categories that Covington ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Covington shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 181 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Covington has an unemployment rate of 1.5% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Covington have an average test score of 72%, which is well above the US average.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Covington market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Covington is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Covington come in at $123,602, which is 71.6% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Covington, the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 55.6% lower than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Covington

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Compare Covington, VA Livability

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      Covington transportation information

      Statistic Covington Virginia National
      Average one way commute16min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work92.2%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.8%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home0.5%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Covington, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.