Is Covina Safe, Pros and cons of living in Covina

Covina, California, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, nestled in the San Gabriel Valley approximately 22 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Incorporated in 1901, the city’s original slogan, “One Mile Square and All There,” reflects its humble beginnings, a stark contrast to its current footprint. Today, Covina is a vibrant community with a rich history and a diverse population, making it an attractive place for those seeking a balance between a slower pace of life and proximity to a major metropolitan area.

The city’s name, derived from the Spanish word for “apple,” hints at its agricultural past, though it has since evolved into a dynamic urban center. Covina’s strategic location provides residents with convenient access to the economic opportunities and cultural attractions of the greater Los Angeles area, while maintaining its own distinct community identity. This balance is a key draw for families and individuals looking for a place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Covina?

Covina’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some aspects aligning with national averages and others showing higher or lower trends. The overall crime rate in Covina is reported to be 7% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, specific crime types warrant closer examination for a comprehensive understanding of safety.

Violent crime in Covina occurs at a rate that is higher than in most communities of similar population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 288 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, property crime rates, which include theft and vehicle break-ins, are noted as being 23% above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Motor vehicle theft, in particular, has been identified as having one of the highest rates in the nation according to analysis of FBI crime data (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs in Covina

The housing market in Covina reflects its desirability as a suburban community, with median home prices and rental rates that are competitive within the Southern California region. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Covina was $815,000, showing a 6.2% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a robust real estate market with consistent demand.

Rental options in Covina are also varied, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $1,818 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For those seeking more space, a two-bedroom apartment averages approximately $2,194 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures suggest that while homeownership is a significant investment, rental prices offer a range of possibilities for different budget levels, though they are noted as being 11% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Home Prices by Zip Code

Housing prices can vary significantly within Covina, with different zip codes exhibiting distinct market trends. In the 91723 zip code, home prices saw a substantial increase of 22.4% compared to the previous year, with a median price of $845,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This zip code’s market is described as somewhat competitive.

The 91722 zip code, however, has experienced a slight decrease in home prices, with the median sale price at $727,000 in March 2026, down 5.2% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This area’s housing market is characterized as very competitive. These variations highlight the importance of researching specific neighborhoods when considering a move to Covina.

Cost of Living in Covina

Covina’s cost of living is generally higher than the national average, influenced by factors such as housing, transportation, and utilities. The overall cost of living in Covina is approximately 38% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This figure reflects a 3% increase from the previous year, indicating a rising trend in expenses.

Housing costs are a significant contributor to this elevated cost of living, being 27.9% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Additionally, transportation expenses are notably higher, at 38% above the national average, and grocery prices are also above the national average by 9% (as reported by PayScale). These combined expenses mean that residents of Covina may need a higher income to maintain a similar standard of living compared to national averages.

Comparing Costs to Other Cities

When compared to other major cities, Covina’s cost of living presents a varied profile. It is significantly more affordable than San Francisco, with its cost of living being 37% lower (as reported by Salary.com). Covina is also less expensive than Boston by 11% and New York by 27% (as reported by Salary.com).

However, Covina is more expensive than cities like Miami, where costs are 15% lower, and Chicago, where costs are 19% lower (as reported by Salary.com). These comparisons illustrate that while Covina may be more expensive than some national averages, it offers relative affordability when contrasted with other high-cost California cities.

Job Market and Major Employers

Covina’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and several key employers, providing employment opportunities for its residents. The largest industries in Covina include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). These sectors are vital to the local economy, offering a variety of job roles and career paths.

Among the top employers in the city are the Covina Valley Unified School District, Citrus Valley Health Partners-Intercommunity, and Charter Oak Unified School District (as reported by Wikipedia). These organizations not only provide significant employment but also contribute to the community’s infrastructure and services. IKEA and Wal-Mart are also listed among the major employers, indicating a mix of public sector and large retail presence.

Average Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Covina is approximately $49,934, which equates to about $24.01 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). While this figure provides a general benchmark, salaries can vary widely based on occupation, experience, and other factors. The median household income in Covina was reported as $98,671 in 2024 (as reported by Census Reporter and Data USA), indicating a significant portion of households earning more than the average individual salary.

The unemployment rate in Covina was reported at 5.30% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.13% (as reported by YCharts). This suggests a relatively stable job market, though it is important to note that unemployment rates can fluctuate based on economic conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate in February 2026 was 2.3% (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate in Covina

Covina experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. The temperature throughout the year typically ranges from 45°F to 91°F, rarely dropping below 39°F or exceeding 99°F (as reported by Time and Date). This predictable weather pattern makes it pleasant for outdoor activities year-round.

Summers in Covina are generally short, hot, arid, and clear, lasting from late June to late September, with average daily high temperatures often exceeding 86°F (as reported by Time and Date). The hottest month is typically August, with highs around 90°F and lows near 67°F. Winters are longer, cooler, and partly cloudy, extending from late November to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 71°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows around 46°F and highs of 67°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Precipitation Patterns

While Covina enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, it does receive rainfall, primarily during the winter months. The average monthly precipitation varies throughout the year, with the highest amounts typically occurring in January and February. For instance, January can see an average of 3.37 inches of precipitation, while February might receive around 3.57 inches (as reported by Time and Date).

As the year progresses, rainfall decreases significantly. April, May, and June are generally dry, with April averaging only about 0.69 inches of precipitation. The summer months of July and August are the driest, often receiving less than an inch of rain combined (as reported by Time and Date). This seasonal pattern means that while the city receives adequate water, drought conditions can be a concern during the dry summer and fall periods.

Education and School Ratings

Covina is served by several school districts, with the Covina-Valley Unified School District being the primary one, catering to most of the city. Other districts serving portions of Covina include Charter Oak Unified School District and Azusa Unified School District. The public schools in Covina are generally highly rated, contributing to the city’s appeal for families.

Niche.com provides school ratings, with Covina-Valley Unified School District receiving an overall grade of A- (as reported by Niche). Within this district, several schools are highlighted for their performance. For example, Manzanita Elementary School is rated with an A- (as reported by Niche), and Covina High School has a B+ rating (as reported by Niche).

Notable Educational Institutions

Covina offers a range of educational institutions, from elementary to high school levels, with many receiving positive reviews. Covina High School, for instance, serves approximately 1,080 students in grades 9-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 22% of its students are proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Other highly-rated public schools serving the Covina area include California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, which has a rating of 4.71 out of 5, and Mt. Sac Early College Academy at West Covina, with a rating of 4.46 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). These institutions underscore the commitment to quality education within the community.

Demographics of Covina

Covina is a city with a diverse population, reflecting the broader demographic landscape of Southern California. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 51,268 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Covina is around 38.7 years, with 21.0% of residents under 18 and 14.4% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial and ethnic composition of Covina is varied. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up a significant portion of the population, accounting for approximately 59.4% (as reported by Census Dots and Data USA). Other significant demographic groups include White residents at 19.2%, Asian residents at 13.4%, and Black residents at 4.2% (as reported by Census Dots and Data USA).

Population Trends and Diversity

Covina’s population has seen some shifts over the years, with projections indicating a slight increase. The projected population for Covina in 2026 is estimated to be 50,632, reflecting a consistent annual rate of change (as reported by Census Data). The city is considered to be considerably less diverse than California overall, though it maintains a diverse population within its own community.

The Hispanic population in Covina is more prevalent than in some neighboring cities like Charter Oak and West Covina, but less so than in Citrus or Azusa (as reported by Census Dots). Similarly, Covina’s White population share is lower than the California average, but higher than in several of its adjacent communities (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic distribution highlights Covina’s unique place within the regional mosaic.