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.
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
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
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.
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
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Covington, Virginia is a small-sized city with a population of 5,653 people. At 82%, the majority of the Covington population is White; this is followed by 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.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Covington, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Covington and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.
With a livability score of 76 out of 100, Covington is ranked #2,641 in the United States and #87 in Virginia. Clearly, Covington is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Covington is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Covington ranks very well for crime (B-), education (B) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Covington does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Covington has an unemployment rate of 1.41% 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.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Covington schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 72%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Covington an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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.
Assuming that Covington meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Covington. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Covington are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Covington come in at $70,400, which is 71.7% 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 1.7, which is 55.3% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Covington | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 92.2% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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