County population in 2012: 37,955 (30% urban, 70% rural); it was 37,631 in 2000 County owner-occupied with a mortgage or a loan houses and condos in 2010: 5,839 County owner-occupied free and clear houses and condos in 2010: 5,641 County owner-occupied houses and condos in 2000: 12,155 Renter-occupied apartments: 4,051 (it was 3,485 in 2000)
% of renters here:
22%
State:
30%
Land area: 1034 sq. mi. Water area: 10.0 sq. mi.
Population density: 37 people per square mile
(low).
Mar. 2012 cost of living index in Covington County: 82.9 (low, U.S. average is 100)
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Industries providing employment: Educational,health and social services (18.9%), Manufacturing (15.6%), Retail trade (13.7%).
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2009: $218 (0.2%) Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2009: $169 (0.2%)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2009: 18.1%
(16.1% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 31.5% for Black residents, 5.7% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 11.0% for American Indian residents, 0.0% for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander residents, 3.7% for other race residents, 25.8% for two or more races residents) Median age of residents in 2010: 42 years old
(Males: 40 years old, Females: 44 years old)
(Median age for: White residents: 44 years old, Black residents: 34 years old, American Indian residents: 39 years old, Asian residents: 37 years old, Hispanic or Latino residents: 29 years old, Other race residents: 25 years old)
Residents with income below the poverty level in 2009:
This county:
18.4%
Whole state:
16.1%
Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2009:
This county:
7.9%
Whole state:
7.3%
Fair market rent in 2006 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Covington County is $363 a month. Fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $435 a month. Fair market rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is $593 a month.
Notable locations in this county outside city limits:
Notable locations in Covington County: Johnsons Quarters (A), Givens Bridge (B), Dixon Forestry Center (C), City of Opp Eastside Sewage Lagoon (D), Alabama Electric Cooperative McWilliams Plant (E), Dogwood Camp (F), South (G), Watkins Bridge (H), Pleasant Home (I), Sassers Crossroads (J), Blue Lake Camp (K), Elliotts Quarters (L), Blue Pond Picnic Area (M), Blue Lake Camp (N), Open Pond Recreation Area (O), Chapman Quarters (P), Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department (Q), Union Grove Fire Department (R), Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department (S), Wing Volunteer Fire Department (T). Display/hide their locations on the map
Churches in Covington County include: Mount Canaan Church (A), Mount Gilead Church (B), Mount Hermon Church (C), Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church (D), Mount Zion United Methodist Church (E), Presley Chapel (F), New Home Church (G), New Providence Church (H), Pine Level Church (I). Display/hide their locations on the map
Cemeteries: Shiloh Cemetery (1), Covington Memorial Gardens (2), Mitchell Cemetery (3), Sweet Home Cemetery (4), Mount Carmel Cemetery (5), Bozeman Cemetery (6), Brooks Cemetery (7). Display/hide their locations on the map
Lakes, reservoirs, and swamps: Yellow Hill Pond (A), Nellie Ponds (B), Mossy Ponds (C), Huckabaa Pond (D), Gum Pond (E), Indigo Ponds (F), Holley Pond (G), Alligator Pond (H). Display/hide their locations on the map
Streams, rivers, and creeks: Shotbag Creek (A), Sasser Branch (B), Russell Branch (C), Run Creek (D), Rocky Creek (E), Lindsey Mill Branch (F), Rita Branch (G), Richland Creek (H), Rattlesnake Branch (I). Display/hide their locations on the map
Parks in Covington County include: Blue Spring Wildlife Management Area (1), Blue Pond Recreation Area (2), Conecuh Recreation Area (3), Open Pond Recreation Area (4). Display/hide their locations on the map
Current college students: 1,166 People 25 years of age or older with a high school degree or higher: 68.4% People 25 years of age or older with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12.2%
Number of foreign born residents: 216 (46% naturalized citizens)
Covington County:
0.6%
Whole state:
2.0%
Year of entry for the foreign-born population
1995 to March 2000: 95
1990 to 1994: 15
1985 to 1989: 18
1980 to 1984: 37
1975 to 1979: 0
1970 to 1974: 9
1970 to 1974: 4
1965 to 1969: 38
Mean travel time to work (commute): 23.6 minutes
Percentage of county residents living and working in this county: 82.2%
Housing units in structures:
One, detached: 13,194
One, attached: 216
Two: 445
3 or 4: 246
5 to 9: 258
10 to 19: 60
20 or more: 169
Mobile homes: 3,930
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.: 60
Housing units in Covington County with a mortgage: 3,865 (228 second mortgage, 400 home equity loan, 2 both second mortgage and home equity loan) Houses without a mortgage: 3,681
Here:
51.2% with mortgage
State:
64.0% with mortgage
Religion statistics:
Percentage of population affiliated with a religious congregations: 69.93%
Here
69.9%
USA
50.2%
Total adherents: 26,315 Total congregations: 119
Adherents
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregations
Name
Southern Baptist Convention
United Methodist Church
Churches of Christ
Assemblies of God
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)
Adherents
20,277 (77.1%)
2,180 (8.3%)
993 (3.8%)
891 (3.4%)
476 (1.8%)
Congregations
59 (49.6%)
13 (10.9%)
11 (9.2%)
14 (11.8%)
5 (4.2%)
Name
Catholic Church
Presbyterian Church (USA)
LDS (Mormon) Church
International Pentecostal Holiness Church
Other
Adherents
326 (1.2%)
228 (0.9%)
165 (0.6%)
147 (0.6%)
632 (2.4%)
Congregations
1 (0.8%)
1 (0.8%)
1 (0.8%)
2 (1.7%)
12 (10.1%)
Source: Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center.
Average size of farms: 199 acres Average value of agricultural products sold per farm: $66,644 Average value of crops sold per acre for harvested cropland: $283.30 The value of nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod as a percentage of the total market value of agricultural products sold: 2.17% The value of livestock, poultry, and their products as a percentage of the total market value of agricultural products sold: 81.20% Average total farm production expenses per farm: $52,686 Harvested cropland as a percentage of land in farms: 22.20% Irrigated harvested cropland as a percentage of land in farms: 3.10% Average market value of all machinery and equipment per farm: $45,680 The percentage of farms operated by a family or individual: 94.18% Average age of principal farm operators: 59 years Average number of cattle and calves per 100 acres of all land in farms: 16.81 Milk cows as a percentage of all cattle and calves: 1.83% Corn for grain: 1574 harvested acres All wheat for grain: 321 harvested acres Upland cotton: 15686 harvested acres Soybeans for beans: 507 harvested acres Vegetables: 611 harvested acres Land in orchards: 1,318 acres
Tornado activity:
Covington County historical area-adjusted tornado activity is below Alabama state average. It is 1.4 times above overall U.S. average. Tornadoes in this county have caused 2 fatalities and 16 injuries recorded between 1950 and 2004. On 3/12/2001, a category 1 (max. wind speeds 73-112 mph) tornado killed 2 people and injured one person and caused $1 million in damages.
Earthquake activity:
Covington County-area historical earthquake activity is significantly below Alabama state average. It is 94% smaller than the overall U.S. average.
On 10/24/1997 at 08:35:17, a magnitude 4.9 (4.8 MB, 4.2 MS, 4.9 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 51.4 miles away from the county center On 10/26/1997 at 23:27:12, a magnitude 3.7 (3.7 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 53.3 miles away from the county center On 9/30/2003 at 02:28:03, a magnitude 3.3 (3.3 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 66.0 miles away from the county center On 5/4/1997 at 03:39:12, a magnitude 3.1 (3.1 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 60.8 miles away from Covington County center On 10/28/1997 at 09:00:11, a magnitude 3.0 (3.0 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 53.3 miles away from the county center Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS)
Most recent natural disasters:
Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds, Incident Period: April 27, 2011, Emergency Declared (EM-3319): April 27, 2011, FEMA Id: FEMA-EM-3319, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado, Wind
Alabama Severe Storms and Flooding, Incident Period: December 12, 2009 to December 18, 2009, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared (DR-1870): December 31, 2009, FEMA Id: FEMA-DR-1870, Natural disaster type: Storm, Flood
Alabama Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds, Incident Period: March 25, 2009 to April 3, 2009, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared (DR-1835): April 28, 2009, FEMA Id: FEMA-DR-1835, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado, Flood, Wind
Alabama Hurricane Gustav, Incident Period: August 29, 2008 to September 3, 2008, Emergency Declared (EM-3292): August 30, 2008, FEMA Id: FEMA-EM-3292, Natural disaster type: Hurricane
Alabama Hurricane Katrina Evacuation, Incident Period: August 29, 2005 to October 1, 2005, Emergency Declared (EM-3237): September 10, 2005, FEMA Id: FEMA-EM-3237, Natural disaster type: Hurricane
Alabama Hurricane Dennis, Incident Period: July 10, 2005 to July 16, 2005, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared (DR-1593): July 10, 2005, FEMA Id: FEMA-DR-1593, Natural disaster type: Hurricane
Alabama Hurricane Ivan, Incident Period: September 13, 2004 to September 30, 2004, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared (DR-1549): September 15, 2004, FEMA Id: FEMA-DR-1549, Natural disaster type: Hurricane
Alabama Hurricane Georges, Incident Period: September 28, 1998 to October 6, 1998, Emergency Declared (EM-3133): September 28, 1998, FEMA Id: FEMA-EM-3133, Natural disaster type: Hurricane
Alabama Hurricane Georges, Incident Period: September 25, 1998 to October 6, 1998, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared (DR-1250): September 30, 1998, FEMA Id: FEMA-DR-1250, Natural disaster type: Hurricane
Alabama Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms, Incident Period: April 8, 1998 to April 20, 1998, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared (DR-1214): April 9, 1998, FEMA Id: FEMA-DR-1214, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado
9 other natural disasters have been reported since 1953.
The number of natural disasters in Covington County (19) is greater than the US average (12). Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 13 Emergencies Declared: 6
Causes of natural disasters: Hurricanes: 8, Storms: 8, Floods: 7, Tornadoes: 5, Winds: 2, Snowfall: 1, Storm: 1, Drought: 1, Tropical Storm: 1, Winter Storm: 1 (Note: Some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations including supervisors (7%)
Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers (5%)
Other production occupations including supervisors (5%)
Other management occupations except farmers and farm managers (5%)
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (4%)
Other sales and related workers including supervisors (4%)
Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers (8%)
Preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle school teachers (6%)
Cashiers (6%)
Secretaries and administrative assistants (5%)
Other office and administrative support workers including supervisors (5%)
Health technologists and technicians (4%)
Other sales and related workers including supervisors (4%)
Most common places of birth for the foreign-born residents (%):
Germany (21%)
Philippines (14%)
Canada (11%)
India (9%)
Peru (7%)
Brazil (6%)
Korea (6%)
Most common first ancestries reported in Covington County (%):
United States or American (42%)
Irish (9%)
English (9%)
German (4%)
Scotch-Irish (3%)
French (except Basque) (2%)
Scottish (2%)
Means of transportation to work:
Drove a car alone: 12,143 (80%)
Carpooled: 2,019 (13%)
Bus or trolley bus: 14 (0%)
Taxi: 2 (0%)
Bicycle: 13 (0%)
Walked: 262 (2%)
Other means: 220 (1%)
Worked at home: 443 (3%)
Owners and renters by unit type in %
Breakdown of mean house values by ages of householders
People in group quarters in Covington County, Alabama in 2000:
331 people in nursing homes
125 people in local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups)
24 people in other noninstitutional group quarters
16 people in other group homes
14 people in homes for the mentally ill
13 people in homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse
People in group quarters in Covington County, Alabama in 2010:
303 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities
172 people in local jails and other municipal confinement facilities
100 people in group homes intended for adults
Average gross adjusted income of non-migrant taxpayers in this county in 2005 was $38,582.
6.03% of this county's 2006 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2005 ($30,801 average adjusted gross income)
Here:
6.03%
Alabama average:
6.81%
10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries.
2.64% relocated from other counties in Alabama ($11,357 average AGI)
3.39% relocated from other states ($19,445 average AGI)
Covington County:
3.39%
Alabama average:
3.11%
Percentage of residents relocating from other counties or countries
Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2005 and 2006:
5.49% of this county's 2005 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2006 ($27,685 average adjusted gross income)
Here:
5.49%
Alabama average:
6.16%
10 or fewer of this county's residents moved to foreign countries.
3.18% relocated to other counties in Alabama ($16,219 average AGI)
2.31% relocated to other states ($11,466 average AGI)
Covington County:
2.31%
Alabama average:
2.51%
Percentage of residents relocating to other counties or countries
Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2005 and 2006:
Births per 1000 population from 1990 to 1999: 12.8 Births per 1000 population from 2000 to 2006: 12.3
Births per 1000 population in Covington County
Deaths per 1000 population from 1990 to 1999: 12.2 Deaths per 1000 population from 2000 to 2006: 13.6
Deaths per 1000 population in Covington County
Infant deaths per 1000 live births from 1990 to 1999: 7.8 Infant deaths per 1000 live births from 2000 to 2006: 6.3
Infant deaths per 1000 live births in Covington County
Persons enrolled in hospital insurance and/or supplemental medical insurance (Medicare) in July 1, 2003: 7,984 (6,401 aged, 1,583 disabled) Population without health insurance coverage in 2000: 17% Children under 18 without health insurance coverage in 2000: 13%
Suicides per 1,000,000 population from 2000 to 2006: 108.8. This is less than state average.
Mechanisms of suicide:
Deaths per 1,000,000 population:
Firearm - 81.6
Other - 27.2
Household type by relationship:
Households: 37,190
In family households: 31,430 (7,258 male householders, 3,281 female householders)
7,803 spouses, 9,939 children (8,806 natural, 278 adopted, 855 stepchildren), 1,230 grandchildren, 304 brothers or sisters, 273 parents, 424 other relatives, 718 non-relatives
In nonfamily households: 5,760 (2,233 male householders (1,866 living alone)), 2,759 female householders (2,501 living alone)), 768 nonrelatives
In group quarters: 575 (475 institutionalized population)
Size of family households: 5,062 2-persons, 2,464 3-persons, 1,837 4-persons, 747 5-persons, 272 6-persons, 157 7-or-more-persons.
98.0% of residents of Covington County speak English at home.
1.1% of residents speak Spanish at home (72% speak English very well, 20% speak English well, 9% speak English not well).
0.7% of residents speak other Indo-European language at home (80% speak English very well, 14% speak English well, 6% speak English not well).
0.2% of residents speak Asian or Pacific Island language at home (51% speak English very well, 44% speak English well, 4% speak English not well).
In fiscal year 2004:
Federal Government expenditure: $272,696,000 ($7395 per capita) Department of Defense expenditure: $13,767,000 Federal direct payments to individuals for retirement and disability: $119,497,000 Federal other direct payments to individuals: $68,706,000 Federal direct payments not to individuals: $6,280,000 Federal grants: $64,716,000 Federal procurement contracts: $4,223,000 ($2,575,000 Department of Defense) Federal salaries and wages: $9,274,000 ($1,818,000 Department of Defense) Federal Government direct loans: $751,000 Federal guaranteed/insured loans: $5,348,000 Federal Government insurance: $16,221,000
Population change from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005:
Births: 2,355
Here:
64 per 1000 residents
State:
70 per 1000 residents
Deaths: 2,629
Here:
71 per 1000 residents
State:
53 per 1000 residents
Net international migration: +85
Here:
+2 per 1000 residents
State:
+6 per 1000 residents
Net internal migration: -371
Here:
-10 per 1000 residents
State:
+2 per 1000 residents
Population growth in Covington County
Total withdrawal of fresh water for public supply: 6.63 millions of gallons per day (all from ground)
Median number of rooms in houses and condos:
Here:
5.8
State:
6.0
Median number of rooms in apartments:
Here:
4.7
State:
4.3
Year house built
2005 or later: 115
2000 to 2004: 730
1990 to 1999: 3,315
1980 to 1989: 2,835
1970 to 1979: 3,578
1960 to 1969: 2,508
1950 to 1959: 2,362
1940 to 1949: 1,524
1939 or earlier: 2,160
Rooms in houses/apartments in Covington County, Alabama
63% of Covington County residents lived in the same house 5 years ago. Out of people who lived in different houses, 63% lived in this county. Out of people who lived in different counties, 49% lived in Alabama.
Covington County:
63.4%
State average:
58.1%
Place of birth for U.S.-born residents:
This state: 29622
Northeast: 750
Midwest: 977
South: 5473
West: 446
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses in 2000: $35,500
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities: 2%
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities: 2%
Year Householders Moved Into Unit:
Most commonly used house heating fuel in Covington County
42.0 years
37.0 years
(47.6%)
(52.4%)
, Coffee County 
, Conecuh County 
, Crenshaw County 
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, Geneva County 
, Okaloosa County, Florida 
, Walton County, Florida 
.
