According to anycountyprivateschools.com, Alleghany County, Virginia is located in the western region of the state and is home to a population of just over 15,000 people. The county seat is Covington and it covers an area of 462 square miles. The county borders West Virginia to the west and North Carolina to the south.
The majority of residents in Alleghany County are Caucasian (93%), followed by African American (4%), Hispanic (1%), Asian (0.5%) and Native American (0.3%). The median age in Alleghany County is 44 years old with an average household size of 2.6 people per household.
The median income for households in Alleghany County was $44,711 in 2018 and the poverty rate was 14%. The unemployment rate for 2018 was 6%. Most people living in Alleghany County are employed primarily in government, manufacturing and retail trade industries, followed by health care services, educational services and accommodation/food services.
Education levels vary widely throughout the county with 18% of adults aged 25 or older having at least a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to just 24% statewide. Education attainment tends to be higher in towns closest to Covington such as Clifton Forge where 28% have at least a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 10% in Iron Gate which is located further away from Covington.
Alleghany County has seen overall population decline over the past decade due mainly to out-migration as people move away from rural areas looking for better job opportunities elsewhere. Despite this decline, there are still many rural areas within Alleghany County that remain largely untouched by development providing visitors with a chance to experience true Appalachian living at its finest.
History of Alleghany County, Virginia
Alleghany County, Virginia is a rural county located in the western part of the state. It was established in 1822 from parts of Botetourt and Bath Counties and is named for its two original counties, Alleghany and Botetourt. The county seat is Covington which was founded in 1817.
Prior to European settlement, the area that would become Alleghany County was home to Native American tribes such as the Monacan, Shawnee and Cherokee. In 1745, an expedition led by William Byrd II explored this area and described it as “a wild, mountainous region of immense forests”.
In 1754, settlers from Pennsylvania began arriving in what would become Alleghany County as part of a large land grant from King George III. These settlers were primarily German-speaking Quakers who established several small towns along Jackson’s River such as Iron Gate and Clifton Forge.
The Civil War had a significant impact on Alleghany County. In 1861, the county voted to secede from Virginia and join the Confederacy. Union forces occupied Covington in 1862 and held it until the end of the war in 1865. During this time, much of the county’s economy was destroyed and many of its citizens were left destitute.
After the war, Alleghany County began to rebuild itself with an emphasis on industry and agriculture. The railroad was extended through Covington in 1883 and soon after, factories began to spring up along its tracks. This period also saw an influx of immigrants from Europe who helped to build up the area’s population and economy.
In recent decades, Alleghany County has seen a decline in its population as people move away from rural areas in search of better job opportunities elsewhere. Despite this, there are still many rural areas within Alleghany County that remain largely untouched by development providing visitors with a chance to experience true Appalachian living at its finest.
Major cities and towns in Alleghany County, Virginia
According to abbreviationfinder, Alleghany County, Virginia is home to a number of small towns and cities. The largest city in the county is Covington, which is located along the Jackson River and is known for its historic downtown area. Covington has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Clifton Forge is another city in Alleghany County that offers a variety of attractions and amenities including an outdoor amphitheater, art galleries, museums, and several parks. Iron Gate is another town located along the Jackson River that provides easy access to outdoor recreation such as fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and boating. Other towns in Alleghany County include Low Moor and Selma which are both small but have plenty to offer with their local shops and restaurants. Alleghany County has something for everyone with its diverse range of cities and towns offering plenty of attractions to explore.
Population in Alleghany County, Virginia
The population of Alleghany County, Virginia is estimated to be about 15,000 people. The largest city in the county is Covington with a population of around 6,000 people. Clifton Forge has a population of about 2,500 and Iron Gate has a population of around 1,800. Other towns in the county such as Low Moor and Selma have populations that range from 500 to 1,000 people. The majority of the population in Alleghany County is White (83%), followed by African American (10%), Hispanic (2%), and Asian (1%). The median age for residents in the county is 40 years old and the average household size is 2.4 people. The median household income for Alleghany County was $30,541 in 2019 with about 22% of households living below the poverty line. Alleghany County offers its residents plenty of amenities and attractions while providing a rural environment with easy access to larger cities such as Roanoke and Lexington.