Local Government Websites

• City of Covington
• Town of Clifton Forge
• Alleghany County

Location
Located in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in the western section of Virginia is Covington, the County seat of Alleghany County. Its site is on the Jackson River surrounded by mountains and valleys with beautiful rugged scenery. The earliest recorded settlement was in 1746. The Highlands was formed in 1822 with Covington being incorporated in 1833 and Clifton Forge incorporated in 1884.

Area
Alleghany Highlands encompasses 452 square miles and lies within the James River Basin. The area includes the City of Covington and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. Most of the area has earned the designation as a Virginia Certified Business Location and Virginia Tourism Accredited Community. The Highlands has a rich natural resource base of water, forests and minerals. Four-fifths of the area is forested with hardwood species dominating. Our strength lies in diversity ...a central location and efficient transportation network combining with access to extensive natural resources allowing varied industries to prosper in the Alleghany Highlands.

Climate
Average High Temperature
December 47.5F
July 87.7F

Average Low Temperature
December 24.6F
July 60.8F

Average Annual Rainfall
36.7 inches

Area Facilities
The rural area usually surprises new residents and visitors with the variety of facilities ranging from historic manors now operated as bed and breakfast inns to a modern full service hospital associated with HCA and world class manufacturing plants. Shopping and dining facilities range from local speciality spots to franchaised chain stores and restaurants. A variety of organizations such as the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Alleghany Highlands Arts Council and Stonewall Theatre serve most cultural interests. Within twenty miles of Covington there are two internationally known resorts, The Homestead and The Greenbrier.

Recreation
A natural paradise nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, the area is rich in recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Gathright Wildlife Management Area, Lake Moomaw, Douthat State Park and many clear mounatin streams provide some of the best hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing in the eastern United States. The Humpback Bridge five acre State Wayside Park is a historical showplace in the community. Humpback is the only arched single span covered bridge in America and is a favorite place for picnicking and pictures. There are three local golf courses plus those at the two resorts which are internationally recognized. The YMCA is an intergeral part of recreation and wellness in the area.

Transportation
The Alleghany Highlands is Virginia's Western Gateway with Interstate 64 providing direct access to the west and many major markets in the United States. Additionally, it connects Interstate 81 and Interstate 77 that are major north/south routes. U. S. Primary Routes 60 and 220 also cross the Highlands along with State primary Routes 18, 42, 159, and 311. CSX provides freight and piggyback services with offices in Clifton Forge and Covington. Passenger service is available via AMTRACK stopping in Clifton Forge. Air service is available via Greenbrier Valley Airport and Roanoke Regional Airport. Ingalls Field is in the Hot Springs area.

Employment (approximate percentage)
Trade 24%
Manufacturing 22%
Services 21%
Government 20%
Construction 8%
Transportation/Communication/Public Utility 3%
F/I/RE 2%
Average unemployment rate for 2003: 4.4%

Major Employers (Number of Employees)
Bacova Guild, LTD - 327
Bennett Logging & Lumber, Inc. - 45
MeadWestvaco Corporation - 1,567
MeadWestvaco Corporation - Converting & Services facility - 170
Alleghany Regional Hospital - 400

Income (1990 Census Per Capita Median Family)
Alleghany County $11,606 - $31,145
Clifton Forge $11,562 - $26,996
Covington $10,814 - $26,091
Iron Gate $10,345 - $25,833

Taxes
Alleghany County real estate .66 per $100 accessed value; meals 4%; lodging 2%
City of Covington real estate .66 per $100 accessed value; meals 5%; lodging 2%
Town of Clifton Forge real estate .83 per $100 accessed value; meals 4%; lodging 2%

Population (2000 Census)
Alleghany County - 12,926
Town of Clifton Forge - 4,289
City of Covington - 6,303

Age Breakdown (2000 Census)
Alleghany County
0-19 - 3,237
20-34 - 2,026
35-64 - 5,638
65+ - 2,025

Town of Clifton Forge
0-19 - 1,003
20-34 - 662
35-64 - 1,609
65+ - 1,015

City of Covington
0-19 - 1,491
20-34 - 1,193
35-64 - 2,345
65+ - 1,274

Race/Ethnic Origin (2000 Census)
Alleghany County
White - 12,454
Hispanic, Mexican, or Puerto Rican - 40
Asian, Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander - 41
African American - 317
American Indian or Alaskan Native - 27
Other - 47

City of Covington
White - 5,298
Hispanic, Mexican, or Puerto Rican - 40
Asian, Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander - 42
African American - 828
American Indian or Alaskan Native - 22
Other - 73

Town of Clifton Forge
White - 3,558
Hispanic, Mexican, or Puerto Rican - 38
Asian, Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander - 2
African American - 627
American Indian or Alaskan Native - 4
Other - 60

Additional Information
The Fifth Planning District Commission makes additional demographics, maps, etc. available for the Alleghany Highlands and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Contact the Chamber of Commerce or Virginia Employment Commission for monthly employment statistics.