Newport News, VA Census Data
The 6th largest city in Virginia by population · 17 cities ranked
Newport News is the 6th largest city in Virginia by population and ranks 11th of 17 for median household income. With 184,774 residents, its poverty rate of 15.1% ranks among the higher rates in Virginia. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
184,774
48.6% male · 51.4% female
Median Age
34.2
4.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$66,718
$11,820 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
29.1%
5.9% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 91.8%
Poverty Rate
15.1%
2.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 8.7%
Broadband Access
95.2%
5.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$243,300
Median rent: $1,285 · 48% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Labor force participation: 57.9%
Per Capita Income
$41,173
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
13.2%
Disability rate: 14.6%
How Newport News Compares to Other Virginia Cities
Rankings among all 17 Virginia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 6th of 17 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 11th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 11th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 14th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 13th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Newport News, VA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Newport News, VA?
The population of Newport News, VA is 184,774 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.2 years.
What is the median household income in Newport News?
The median household income in Newport News, VA is $66,718, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $41,173.
What is the poverty rate in Newport News?
The poverty rate in Newport News, VA is 15.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 8.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Newport News residents have a college degree?
29.1% of adults (25+) in Newport News hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 91.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Newport News?
The median home value in Newport News, VA is $243,300. Median rent is $1,285 per month, with 48% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Newport News?
Newport News's population is 42.3% White, 41.0% Black, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Newport News rank among Virginia cities?
Newport News is the 6th largest city in Virginia by population, the 11th highest for median household income, the 11th lowest for poverty rate, the 14th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked Virginia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Newport News?
The unemployment rate in Newport News, VA is 5.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.9%. Per capita income is $41,173.
Cities Similar to Newport News
Other Virginia cities with comparable population and income levels.