Covington
cityCovington, Louisiana, is the parish seat of St. Tammany Parish, located at the fork of the Bogue Falaya and Tchefuncte Rivers. As of 2020, the city had a population of 11,564. Covington offers a blend of Southern charm and modern amenities, with a historic downtown featuring boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. The city is known for its conservation efforts, preserving historic homes and buildings while modernizing infrastructure. Covington's economy includes healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Several companies operate in the city, including Zen-Noh Grain Corporation and Globalstar. The city's location provides access to both the cultural influences of New Orleans and the natural beauty of the surrounding Northshore region. Founded in 1813, Covington has a rich history evident in its well-preserved architecture and cultural traditions. The city was once known as "THE MOST HEALTHY PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES" in 1891 due to its low death rate. Covington's unique blend of history, culture, and natural surroundings makes it a distinctive place to live and visit.
Covington, Louisiana
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 22-18125
- Country
- United States
- County
- St. Tammany
- Region
- Northshore
- Elevation
- 26 ft
- Total Area
- 8.15 sq mi
- Land Area
- 8.02 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.14 sq mi
- Latitude
- 30.4789
- Longitude
- -90.1042
- Climate
- Covington has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The temperature typically varies from 42°F to 92°F.
- Notable Features
- Bogue Falaya River · Tchefuncte River
- Neighboring Areas
- Slidell · Mandeville
- Population (2020)
- 11,564
- Est. Population (2026)
- 11,744
- Median Age
- 39
- Median Income
- $75,851
- Poverty Rate
- 11.73%
- Family Households
- 65.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 69.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Covington includes 73.65% White, 16.95% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other races, Asian, Native American, and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- St. Tammany Parish School System
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.4%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Manufacturing
- Schools
- 8
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.4:1
- Graduation Rate
- 83.2%
- School Districts
- St. Tammany Parish School System
- Colleges & Universities
- Delta College
- Transportation
- US 190 · LA 21 · Tammany Trace
- Utilities
- Municipal water
- Major Facilities
- St. Tammany Health System Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Bogue Falaya Park · Columbia Street Landing · Covington Recreation Complex
- Parks & Trails
- Tammany Trace · Bogue Chitto Memorial Park
- Founded
- 1813
- Incorporated
- 1816
- Named After
- General Leonard Covington
- Historical Significance
- Covington has served as a center of commerce, industry, and government for the Northshore region, with a rich history tied to the rivers and Lake Pontchartrain.
- Key Events
- Founded by John Wharton Collins as the Town of Wharton · Renamed Covington in 1816 · Parish seat since 1829 · Tourism became popular in the late 19th century