RANK #234 / 996 · POP 185,118 · VA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.9%
Newport News, Virginia, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest English place names in the New World, with "Newportes Newes" appearing in records as early as 1619. Located on the Virginia Peninsula where the James River meets the Chesapeake Bay, it is approximately an hour from Richmond and Virginia Beach, and less than 30 minutes from Norfolk and Williamsburg. Commuting is primarily car-dependent, though Hampton Roads Transit offers bus services and an on-demand microtransit option. The city boasts extensive outdoor recreation, including Newport News Park, one of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi River, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
Life in Newport News offers a blend of urban amenities and a quieter pace, appealing to families and those seeking affordability. The local economy is significantly shaped by its historical ties to shipbuilding and maritime industries, including a major shipbuilding company and a U.S. Navy presence. Recent economic development efforts focus on broadening the economy through attracting investment in various sectors, including advanced manufacturing and industrial renovations. Newport News Public Schools serves approximately 25,500 students across 40 schools, with a focus on preparing students for college and careers.
Contracting economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Multi-Class Submarine Production Facility and other capital investments
HII (Newport News Shipbuilding)
|
$1,900M | Under Construction |
|
City Capital Improvement Plan (FY2027–2031)
City of Newport News
|
$983M | Planned |
|
Youth T.H.R.I.V.E Program
City of Newport News
|
$500M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Newport News city has a Boom Town Index score of 77/100, ranking #234 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.3% and a median household income of $63,355, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Newport News city is $233,400 with median rent at $1,209/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2714, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.3%. Home values changed +1.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.24% of Newport News city's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.