So, you’re looking for the answer to a pretty straightforward question: Covington GA is in what county?
The short answer is Newton County. It’s the county seat, too. But if you’re asking because you’re planning a trip, moving for work, or just trying to figure out why every second TV show seems to be filmed there, there is a lot more to the story than just a name on a map.
Covington isn't just a dot in Georgia. It’s a vibe. Honestly, it’s one of those places where the history is so thick you can almost feel it when you walk across the town square.
The Heart of Newton County
Covington sits right in the middle of Newton County. It's about 35 miles east of Atlanta, which makes it part of that massive metro sprawl but far enough away that people still wave at you on the sidewalk.
Newton County was carved out back in 1821. It was named after John Newton, a sergeant who fought in the Revolutionary War. Fun fact: Covington itself was almost called Newtonsboro. Imagine trying to fit that on a souvenir t-shirt. Luckily, they changed it to Covington in 1822 to honor General Leonard Covington, a hero from the War of 1812.
Why the Location Matters
Being the county seat means Covington is the brain of the operation. You’ve got the historic courthouse—which is absolutely stunning with its Second Empire architecture—right in the center of the square.
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The county covers about 279 square miles. It’s not huge, but it’s growing fast. Back in 2010, the population was around 100,000. By 2026, estimates suggest Newton County has ballooned to over 130,000 residents. People are moving here because it’s "kind of" the best of both worlds. You have the tech jobs and the film industry, but you also have the Alcovy, Yellow, and South Rivers meeting at Lake Jackson for your weekend fishing trips.
The "Hollywood of the South" Label
You can't talk about Covington GA is in what county without talking about the movies.
If the town looks familiar, it’s because it probably is. It has been used as a backdrop for more than 140 films and TV shows. Most people know it as "Mystic Falls" from The Vampire Diaries. If you go to the square today, you’ll see fans from all over the world taking photos in front of the "Mystic Grill."
But before the vampires moved in, it was the setting for In the Heat of the Night and The Dukes of Hazzard.
- My Cousin Vinny (1992)
- Remember the Titans (2000)
- Sweet Magnolias (current Netflix hit)
- Selma (2014)
The film industry is a massive economic driver for Newton County. It’s not just about the actors; it’s the catering, the hardware stores, and the hotels. It has turned a sleepy Southern town into a legitimate tourist destination.
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Life and Economy in the Area
Newton County isn't just about film sets. It’s actually a pretty big hub for manufacturing and tech.
Did you know Facebook (Meta) has a massive data center here? It’s true. There is also a major presence from companies like Takeda Pharmaceuticals and General Mills. If you’re eating cereal in the Southeast, there’s a decent chance it was made in Covington.
The growth hasn't been without its challenges. Traffic on I-20 can be a nightmare during rush hour. The county has had to scramble to keep up with infrastructure—new schools, better roads, and more housing. The median household income in the area hovers around $73,732, which is solid for Georgia, but the cost of living has been creeping up as more people flee Atlanta for the suburbs.
The Other Towns in the County
While Covington gets all the spotlight, Newton County is home to a few other spots you should know:
- Oxford: Home to Oxford College of Emory University. It’s quiet and academic.
- Porterdale: An old mill town that has seen a huge resurgence lately with lofts and cool restaurants.
- Mansfield and Newborn: These are for the folks who want the real rural Georgia experience.
Historic Preservation and the "March to the Sea"
History buffs always ask about the Civil War. When General Sherman did his famous "March to the Sea" in 1864, he passed right through Covington and Oxford.
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Surprisingly, he spared most of the antebellum homes. There are a dozen different legends about why he didn't burn the place down—some say he had friends here, others say the architecture was just too beautiful to destroy. Whatever the reason, it’s why Covington is often called the "City of Beautiful Homes." You can walk down Floyd Street today and see houses that look exactly like they did 160 years ago.
Practical Advice for Visiting
If you’re heading to Newton County, don’t just stay in your car.
Park near the square. Grab a coffee at one of the local spots and just walk. The Newton County courthouse is the anchor, but the side streets are where the real charm is.
- Visit the Welcome Center: They have a Film and History Museum that is actually free. It’s full of props from shows like The Originals.
- The Cricket Frog Trail: If you need to stretch your legs, this trail runs along an old railroad line through the county.
- Dining: The Mystic Grill is the famous one, but there are plenty of upscale Southern bistros and quirky cafes within a two-block radius.
Summary Checklist for Newcomers
If you're moving to the area or just curious, keep these points in mind:
- County: Newton
- Major City: Covington (Seat)
- Distance to Atlanta: 35 miles
- Primary Industries: Film, Bio-pharma, Data Centers
- Vibe: Historic, "Covi-wood" film culture, rapidly growing suburb
Basically, Covington is the heart of Newton County. It's a place where you can see a high-tech manufacturing plant on one side of town and a 19th-century mansion on the other. It's weird, it's beautiful, and it's definitely more than just a coordinate on a map.
To get the most out of your visit, start by downloading a self-guided "On Location" tour map from the local visitor's bureau to see exactly where your favorite scenes were filmed.