Covington
cityCovington, Washington, is a city in King County, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Seattle. Known for its "Unmatched Quality of Life," Covington has grown from a small railway stop in 1900 to a thriving suburban community. The city offers a mix of residential areas, commercial developments, and access to outdoor recreation. In 2024, the estimated population was 21,567. Covington's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare, retail, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. The city benefits from its proximity to major transportation routes, making it a prime location for logistics and distribution companies. Several new businesses came to Covington in 2025, contributing to a major economic year. Covington distinguishes itself with a blend of historical roots and modern growth. Founded as Jenkins Prairie, the city's development was spurred by the Northern Pacific Railway. Incorporated in 1997, Covington balances its suburban character with access to natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Covington, Washington
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 53-15290
- Country
- United States
- County
- King County
- Region
- Pacific Northwest
- Elevation
- 384 ft
- Total Area
- 6.042 sq mi
- Land Area
- 5.931 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.111 sq mi
- Latitude
- 47.364793
- Longitude
- -122.104561
- Climate
- Mild climate with relatively mild summers and winters. Known for rainy weather.
- Notable Features
- Pipe Lake · Jenkins Creek · Soos Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Kent · Auburn · Maple Valley
- Population (2020)
- 20,777
- Est. Population (2026)
- 21,919
- Median Age
- 36.4
- Median Income
- $134,502
- Poverty Rate
- 5.01%
- Family Households
- 75.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 78.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- White (58.9%), Hispanic (11.2%), and Asian (10.9%) are the largest racial/ethnic groups.
- Government Type
- Council–manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Kent School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Aquatic Center












- Unemployment Rate
- 5.4%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Retail · Construction · Manufacturing · Transportation
- Major Employers
- Healthcare facilities · Retail stores · Logistics companies
- School Districts
- Kent School District · Tahoma School District (nearby)
- Transportation
- State Route 516 · State Route 18 · King County Metro bus service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- MultiCare Covington Medical Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Wilderness Park (nearby) · Soos Creek Trail · City Parks
- Parks & Trails
- City Parks · Soos Creek Trail System
- Founded
- 1900
- Incorporated
- 1997
- Named After
- Richard Covington, a surveyor for the Northern Pacific Railway
- Historical Significance
- Evolved from a railway stop and logging town to a suburban city in the Seattle metropolitan area.
- Key Events
- Founded as a Northern Pacific Railway stop · Lumber mills established in the early 20th century · Dairy and berry farming became popular after the timber industry declined · Incorporated as a city on August 31, 1997
