Covington, VA
Population 5,671 · Virginia
About Covington, VA
Covington is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 5,671 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,724 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Covington features a median home value of $80,200, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Covington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $822, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,038 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (1,781 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (712 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Covington shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 23.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Covington have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.6% of Covington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Covington Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Covington, VA
Compared to national averages, Covington has a median household income of $42,724 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,200, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $822 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Covington's income is 51% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 76% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Covington, VA?
Covington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $822/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,724) that falls below the national average. However, Covington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Covington has a population of 5,671 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Covington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Covington
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 5,694 | $37,357 | $160,600 | Compare |
| Emporia | 5,633 | $49,375 | $131,100 | Compare |
| Crosspointe | 5,632 | $247,708 | $921,400 | Compare |
| Moorefield | 5,598 | $200,754 | $802,700 | Compare |
| Dumfries | 5,749 | $78,373 | $303,700 | Compare |
| Ettrick | 5,760 | $54,857 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Stafford Courthouse | 5,780 | $97,030 | $564,800 | Compare |
| Dulles Town Center | 5,541 | $114,503 | $561,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Covington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Covington
What is the population of Covington, VA?
The population of Covington, VA is 5,671 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Covington?
The median household income in Covington, VA is $42,724 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Covington?
The median home value in Covington, VA is $80,200, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Covington?
The median monthly rent in Covington, VA is $822, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Covington?
The unemployment rate in Covington, VA is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Covington, VA a good place to live?
Covington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,671 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Covington, VA?
9.6% of residents in Covington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Covington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Covington, VA: median home value is $80,200 (67% below national), median rent is $822/month, and median household income is $42,724. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Covington?
The poverty rate in Covington, VA is 23.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Covington, VA?
Covington's population is 1.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 12.3% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.