| Main | Births etc |
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| Covington, Virginia | |||
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[[file:Template:Location map Shenandoah Valley|250px|Covington, Virginia is located in Template:Location map Shenandoah Valley]]
<div style="position: absolute; top: Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "[".%; left: Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "[".%; height: 0; width: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> [[File:Template:Location map Shenandoah Valley|6x6px|Covington|link=|alt=]] <div style="font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%; position: relative; top: -1.5em; width: 6em; Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "[".">Covington |
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | Virginia | ||
| County | None (Independent city) | ||
| Government | |||
| • Mayor | Thomas H. Sibold, Jr. | ||
| Area[1] | |||
| • Total | 5.67 sq mi (14.69 km2) | ||
| • Land | 5.47 sq mi (14.16 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.20 sq mi (0.52 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 1,250 ft (381 m) | ||
| Population (2020) | |||
| • Total | 5,737 | ||
| • Density | 1,000/sq mi (390/km2) | ||
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) | ||
| ZIP code | 24426 | ||
| Area code(s) | 540 | ||
| FIPS code | 51-19728[2] | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 1498470[3] | ||
| Website | covington.va.us | ||
Covington is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,737,[4] making it the second-least populous city in Virginia. It is surrounded by Alleghany County, of which it is also the county seat.[5] Located at the confluence of Jackson River and Dunlap Creek, Covington is one of three cities (with Roanoke and Salem) in the Roanoke Regional Partnership.[6] The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Covington with Alleghany county for statistical purposes.
History[]
Covington is named in honor of General Leonard Covington, hero of the War of 1812 and friend of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.[7]
Geography[]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.7 square miles (14.8 km2), of which 5.5 square miles (14.2 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km2) (3.6%) is water.[8] The city lies along both sides of the Jackson River.
Climate[]
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Covington has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[9]
| Climate data for Covington Filter Plant, Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1960–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 80 (27) |
79 (26) |
87 (31) |
93 (34) |
99 (37) |
100 (38) |
102 (39) |
102 (39) |
97 (36) |
93 (34) |
85 (29) |
80 (27) |
102 (39) |
| Average high °F (°C) | 41.5 (5.3) |
45.5 (7.5) |
54.2 (12.3) |
66.0 (18.9) |
73.9 (23.3) |
80.5 (26.9) |
84.0 (28.9) |
82.6 (28.1) |
76.8 (24.9) |
67.1 (19.5) |
55.3 (12.9) |
45.3 (7.4) |
64.4 (18.0) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 32.0 (0.0) |
34.8 (1.6) |
42.1 (5.6) |
52.3 (11.3) |
61.0 (16.1) |
68.6 (20.3) |
72.5 (22.5) |
71.2 (21.8) |
65.0 (18.3) |
54.4 (12.4) |
43.1 (6.2) |
35.7 (2.1) |
52.7 (11.5) |
| Average low °F (°C) | 22.5 (−5.3) |
24.1 (−4.4) |
30.1 (−1.1) |
38.7 (3.7) |
48.2 (9.0) |
56.7 (13.7) |
60.9 (16.1) |
59.9 (15.5) |
53.3 (11.8) |
41.6 (5.3) |
30.8 (−0.7) |
26.2 (−3.2) |
41.1 (5.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −19 (−28) |
−5 (−21) |
1 (−17) |
15 (−9) |
26 (−3) |
34 (1) |
41 (5) |
39 (4) |
28 (−2) |
14 (−10) |
9 (−13) |
−10 (−23) |
−19 (−28) |
| Precipitation inches (mm) | 2.60 (66) |
2.43 (61.7) |
3.36 (85.3) |
3.63 (92.2) |
4.30 (109.2) |
4.24 (107.7) |
3.98 (101.1) |
3.24 (82.3) |
3.49 (88.6) |
2.51 (63.8) |
2.75 (69.9) |
2.94 (74.7) |
39.47 (1,002.5) |
| Snowfall inches (cm) | 2.5 (6.4) |
3.3 (8.4) |
1.6 (4.1) |
0.2 (0.5) |
0.0 (0) |
0.0 (0) |
0.0 (0) |
0.0 (0) |
0.0 (0) |
0.0 (0) |
0.0 (0) |
2.5 (6.4) |
10.1 (25.7) |
| Avg. precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 9.2 | 8.5 | 11.3 | 11.8 | 13.8 | 11.8 | 12.1 | 11.2 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.5 | 10.3 | 125.1 |
| Avg. snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 3.7 |
| Source: NOAA[10][11] | |||||||||||||
Demographics[]
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 436 | ||
| 1890 | 704 | 61.5% | |
| 1900 | 2,950 | 319.0% | |
| 1910 | 4,234 | 43.5% | |
| 1920 | 5,623 | 32.8% | |
| 1930 | 6,538 | 16.3% | |
| 1940 | 6,300 | −3.6% | |
| 1950 | 5,860 | −7.0% | |
| 1960 | 11,062 | 88.8% | |
| 1970 | 10,060 | −9.1% | |
| 1980 | 9,063 | −9.9% | |
| 1990 | 6,991 | −22.9% | |
| 2000 | 6,303 | −9.8% | |
| 2010 | 5,961 | −5.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] 1790-1960[13] 1900-1990[14] 1990-2000[15] 2010-2020[16] | |||
2020 census[]
| Race / Ethnicity | Pop 2010[17] | Pop 2020[16] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 4,955 | 4,541 | 83.12% | 79.15% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 741 | 716 | 12.43% | 12.48% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 18 | 12 | 0.30% | 0.21% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 33 | 32 | 0.55% | 0.56% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 5 | 0.00% | 0.09% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 8 | 11 | 0.13% | 0.19% |
| Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) | 114 | 241 | 1.91% | 4.20% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 92 | 179 | 1.54% | 3.12% |
| Total | 5,961 | 5,737 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.
2000 Census[]
The population of Covington has gradually declined since reaching its peak of 11,062 in 1960. The population decline has mainly resulted from losses of manufacturing jobs in the area.[18][19] One major loss of manufacturing jobs occurred after a fire at the Hercules plant in June 1980, causing $23 million in damage and worker layoffs.[20]
As of the census[21] of 2000, there were 6,303 people, 2,835 households, and 1,740 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.3 people per square mile (429.2/km2).[22] The racial makeup of the city was 84.1% White, 13.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. 0.6% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 3,195 housing units at an average density of 563.3 per square mile (217.6/km2). There were 2,835 households, out of which 23.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. Of all households 34.0% were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,325, and the median income for a family was $36,640. Males had a median income of $30,755 versus $20,316 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,758. About 10.7% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.1% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.
Economy[]
Covington's economy is dominated by Westrock, which has been operating in the city since 1899.[23] The facility employs about 1300 workers, mostly from Covington and Alleghany County. Its production includes bleached paper and paperboard for packaging, and is the second largest on the East Coast.
Both Alleghany County, VA and Covington City are known for the low cost of their housing markets and close proximity to The Homestead in Bath County (VA), Lexington (VA), The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs (WV), Lewisburg (WV), and Roanoke (VA), each of which is within about a 45-minute drive.
Sports[]
Covington has a team in the Valley Baseball League called the Lumberjacks.
Government[]
The city has a council–manager government. The current mayor of Covington is Thomas H. Sibold Jr.[24]
Politics[]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2020 | 1,580 | 60.70% | 964 | 37.03% | 59 | 2.27% |
| 2016 | 1,349 | 56.63% | 914 | 38.37% | 119 | 5.00% |
| 2012 | 975 | 41.85% | 1,319 | 56.61% | 36 | 1.55% |
| 2008 | 1,020 | 43.33% | 1,304 | 55.40% | 30 | 1.27% |
| 2004 | 1,104 | 47.98% | 1,179 | 51.24% | 18 | 0.78% |
| 2000 | 966 | 43.63% | 1,168 | 52.76% | 80 | 3.61% |
| 1996 | 763 | 31.10% | 1,394 | 56.83% | 296 | 12.07% |
| 1992 | 995 | 34.68% | 1,442 | 50.26% | 432 | 15.06% |
| 1988 | 1,274 | 43.70% | 1,567 | 53.76% | 74 | 2.54% |
| 1984 | 1,722 | 54.46% | 1,391 | 43.99% | 49 | 1.55% |
| 1980 | 1,187 | 37.68% | 1,813 | 57.56% | 150 | 4.76% |
| 1976 | 1,173 | 37.06% | 1,820 | 57.50% | 172 | 5.43% |
| 1972 | 1,910 | 63.71% | 948 | 31.62% | 140 | 4.67% |
| 1968 | 1,551 | 43.14% | 1,195 | 33.24% | 849 | 23.62% |
| 1964 | 1,149 | 35.84% | 2,055 | 64.10% | 2 | 0.06% |
| 1960 | 1,436 | 47.85% | 1,558 | 51.92% | 7 | 0.23% |
| 1956 | 1,639 | 56.34% | 1,189 | 40.87% | 81 | 2.78% |
Education[]
Covington has one 8–12 high school (Covington High School), one 4–7 middle school called (Jeter-Watson), one pre-kindergarten through third grade elementary school (Edgemont Primary), one State Governors School (Jackson River Governor's School), one technical center for high-school students (Jackson River Technical Center), and one community college (Dabney S. Lancaster).
Media[]
The local newspaper of record is The Virginian Review, which has been continuously published since August 10, 1914. Covington is served by two radio stations. WKEY simulcasts on 103.5 FM and 1340 AM, and WJVR broadcasts on 101.9 FM with simulcast on 1230 AM in nearby Clifton Forge.[26]
Infrastructure[]
Transportation[]
The area is serviced by Interstate 64 (east-west) and Route 220 (north-south) offering rail, truck and interstate access to the area. Rail passenger service is provided at the Amtrak station in Clifton Forge, VA 12 miles away.
Fire protection[]
Fire protection is provided by the Covington Fire Department, which was chartered on March 4, 1902.[27] The Covington Rescue Squad provides emergency medical services to the city of Covington. Both the fire department and rescue squad are volunteer organizations. The rescue squad was organized in 1933 and is the third oldest volunteer rescue squad in Virginia.
Gallery[]
Notable people[]
- Bimbo Coles, born in Covington. In the National Basketball Association, he played for the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics.
- Addie Elizabeth Davis, first woman ordained as a Southern Baptist pastor.
- Bob Humphreys, baseball pitcher
- Jim Lemon, born in Covington, who was an American right and left fielder, manager and coach in Major League Baseball.
- Edgar P. Rucker, lawyer and politician
- William R. Terrill, a United States Army soldier and general who was killed in action at the Battle of Perryville during the American Civil War.
See also[]
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Covington, Virginia
References[]
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_51.txt.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov.
- ^ "Covington city, Covington city, Virginia". https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US5158091020. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx.
- ^ "Roanoke Regional Partnership – Roanoke Virginia Live and Work". http://www.roanoke.org/.
- ^ "History -- Covington City". https://covington.va.us/about-covington/history/.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html.
- ^ "Covington, Virginia Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase. http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=440244&cityname=Covington%2C+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units=.
- ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=rnk.
- ^ "Station: Covington FLTR PLT, VA". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00442044&format=pdf.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing from 1790". US Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/va190090.txt.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf.
- ^ a b "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Covington city, Virginia". https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=1600000US5119728&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2.
- ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Covington city, Virginia". https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=1600000US5119728&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2.
- ^ anec_mar-apr07
- ^ Report on the City of Covington – County of Alleghany Annexation Action, May 2011, Commission on Local Government, Commonwealth of Virginia
- ^ "Comprehensive Plan of Alleghany County, Virginia, May 2013". http://www.co.alleghany.va.us/CompPlan/CompPlan.pdf.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov.
- ^ "CensusScope – Population Growth". http://www.censusscope.org/us/s51/c580/chart_popl.html.
- ^ City of Covington Archived 2010-07-09 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Web Developer. "City Council". http://www.covington.va.us/index.php/business/city-departments/city-council.
- ^ David Leip. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". Uselectionatlas.org. http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS.
- ^ City of Covington: News & Radio
- ^ "Index of /". http://www.fire.covington.va.us/.
External links[]
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