Covington is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,737, making it the second-least populous city in Virginia. It is surrounded by Alleghany County, of which it is also the county seat. 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. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Covington with Alleghany county for statistical purposes.
History
The first white settlers came to what is now Covington in 1745 when the area was part of Augusta County, Virginia. Botetourt County took over much of the area in 1769; although Bath County and Monroe County also lay claim to parts of what is now the Alleghany County-Covington region. The unnamed community was referred to as the Mouth of the Dunlap. Covington is located at the confluence of Jackson River and Dunlap Creek. It along both sides of the Jackson River and is surrounded by Alleghany County.
Covington is located within a 45 minute drive to The Homestead in Bath County, Virginia; Lexington, Virginia; The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia; Lewisburg, West Virginia; and Roanoke, Virginia.
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. Using the 32 degree isotherm, it's in the transition zone with "Dfa", a humid continental climate.