Newport News city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 11th-largest in Virginia
The population of Newport News city, Virginia is 184,774 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 11th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $66,718, the median home value is $243,300, and the median age is 34.2.
The population of Newport News city has grown 1.2% since 2010 (180,905 → 183,056), a +0.08% annualized rate.
184,774
Population
+0.08%
Annual growth
2678
People / sq mi
$66,718
Median Income
$243,300
Median Home Value
Newport News city covers 69 sq mi of land at 2678.0 people per square mile.
About Newport News city, VA
Newport News city is a county in Virginia with a population of 184,774. It ranks #11 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 34.2, younger than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Newport News city is $66,718, below the US median of $74,580. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $243,300, with monthly rent averaging $1,285. The homeownership rate of 48.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Newport News city reflects 29.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.2 minutes each way.
Newport News city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Newport News city had a population of 180,905 in 2010 and 183,056 in 2024, a 1.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 186,052 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.09%.
183,056
Population (2024)
180,905
Population (2010)
186,052
Peak (2020)
0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 180,905 |
| 2011 | 180,139 |
| 2012 | 180,148 |
| 2013 | 181,388 |
| 2014 | 181,661 |
| 2015 | 181,121 |
| 2016 | 180,472 |
| 2017 | 179,738 |
| 2018 | 178,904 |
| 2019 | 179,736 |
| 2020 | 186,052 |
| 2021 | 184,717 |
| 2022 | 184,004 |
| 2023 | 183,249 |
| 2024 | 183,056 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 42.3% |
| Black or African American | 41.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.2
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
13.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.8% · Seniors (65+): 13.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,718$-24,256 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,285 |
| Per-capita income | $37,475 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%+4.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Newport News city is professional & business services, accounting for 22.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
74.3%
Public transit
9.3%
Work from home
23.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$243,300$-117,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,285
Median rent
48.1%
Homeownership rate
81,850
Total housing units
92.6%
Occupied
7.4%
Vacant
51.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.3%
With health insurance
95.2%
With broadband internet
38.4%
Foreign-born
13.2%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
89.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
29.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
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County rankings
Common questions about Newport News city, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Newport News city, Virginia has a population of 184,774 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 11th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 2678 people per square mile.
The population of Newport News city has grown 1.2% since 2010 (180,905 → 183,056), a +0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Newport News city, Virginia is $66,718, with mean (average) household income of $87,285 and per-capita income of $37,475. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Newport News city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (42.3%), Black or African American (41.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Newport News city, Virginia is 34.2 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Newport News city is $243,300 and median monthly rent is $1,285. 48.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 81,850 total housing units, 7.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Newport News city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Newport News city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.