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Newport News Through the Years (Statistical Profiles)
Newport News through the Years is part of a series of documents the Department of Planning is developing to help inform future comprehensive plan updates. The intent is to establish a more efficient and effective process to refine and revise the comprehensive plan by providing current baseline information and emerging trends to be reviewed early in the update process.
The data summarized below identifies key changes in Newport News demographics between 2000 and 2014. This information is used to project growth and development and establish associated policies and programs intended to improve the city's livability, resilience, and economic strength. It is also intended to provide a community profile for citizens who want to know more about the city in which they live. More detailed information on specific areas of Newport News can be found in the current Statistical Profile, another document in the comprehensive plan series.
Newport News 2000-2014
Population is stable, aging, and shifting racially and ethnically.
- Since 2000, the annual growth rate for Newport News has been less than 1 percent. Forecasts show a continued low growth rate.
- The population age 55 and older increased by 56 percent and young adults (ages 20-34) increased by 7 percent in 15 years. At the same time, the working age population (35-54) decreased by 10 percent and the school age population (less than 19 years old) decreased by 17 percent.
- Newport News’ minority population continues to increase, mirroring national trends. The Hispanic population increased 92 percent and the Asian population increased 19 percent over the 15-year period. At the same time, the White population decreased by 14 percent. By 2020, Newport News is forecast to be a majority-minority city: no racial group will represent more than half of the overall population.
Population is becoming more educated.
- Over the past 15 years, the percentage of the population 25 or older in Newport News who has an Associate’s Degree or higher continued to increase from 27.2 percent in 2000 to 33.5 percent in 2014.
- At the same time, the percentage of the population 25 or older with less than a high school diploma declined from 15.5 percent in 2000 to 11.2 percent in 2014.
Incomes are increasing, but the number of people living below the poverty line remains a concern.
- Median household income in the city grew by 39 percent between 2000 and 2014, as did median family income.
- The percentage of the total population living below the poverty line declined between 2000 (13.3%) and 2010 (12.9%), but increased between 2010 and 2014 to 14.5 percent.
- The greatest reduction in poverty was experienced by the 65 and older population. The number of seniors living in poverty has declined by 15 percent over the past 15 years. Children and families also experienced a nominal decline during the same period.
Household composition is changing.
- The total number of family households in Newport News decreased by 7 percent over the past 15 years. In 2014, family households made up 62 percent of all households.
- At the same time, non-family households increased by 11 percent. (A non-family household consists of a householder living alone or with additional people not related to them).
- The number of male-led households increased 29 percent between 2000 and 2014, but female-led households continue to be the majority of single-parent households.
- Persons per household and family size have remained steady at 2.5 persons per household and 3 persons per family.
Housing growth has slowed, the number of rental units as a percentage of the total housing inventory has slightly increased, available inventory has increased, and median home value continues to fluctuate.
- Since 2000, the total number of housing units in Newport News increased by over 2,700 units to 76,903; however, the increase was less than 1 percent between 2010 and 2014.
- Of the total occupied units in 2014, the majority were owner occupied. The percentage of renter occupied units continued to increase between 2000 and 2014 from 47 percent to 49 percent.
- The vacancy rate of all housing units increased between 2000 and 2014 from 6 percent to 10.3 percent. Of the total vacant units, approximately 90 percent are estimated to be rental units. Multifamily construction was at its peak during the early to mid-2000s, as increasing home prices made ownership unaffordable for many households.
- The median home value in 2014 was $194,600 compared to $214,600 in 2010. The local and regional housing markets continue a slow recovery post-recession.
Percentage of employed workers remains steady and unemployment rate continues to decline.
- The city’s labor force grew by 7.1 percent between 2000 and 2014.
- Since 2000, the percentage of the population 16 years and older in the labor force has remained at approximately 69 percent.
- The unemployment rate for 2014 was 6.2 percent, a significant drop from the 2010 high of 8.3 percent during the peak of the recession.
- As a result of realignments and rightsizing of the military, the number of Armed Forces employed in Newport News declined between 2000 and 2014 by almost 20 percent. The percentage of the labor force employed by the Armed Forces is forecast to remain steady for the foreseeable future.
Percentage of employed workers remains steady and unemployment rate continues to decline.
- The city’s labor force grew by 7.1 percent between 2000 and 2014.
- Since 2000, the percentage of the population 16 years and older in the labor force has remained at approximately 69 percent.
- The unemployment rate for 2014 was 6.2 percent, a significant drop from the 2010 high of 8.3 percent during the peak of the recession.
- As a result of realignments and rightsizing of the military, the number of Armed Forces employed in Newport News declined between 2000 and 2014 by almost 20 percent. The percentage of the labor force employed by the Armed Forces is forecast to remain steady for the foreseeable future.
At-A-Glance & Full Reports
To view the current Newport News statistical quick facts document or the full yearly statistical profile documents, click on the links below.
- 2021 Statistical Profile
- 2020 Statistical Profile
- 2019 Statistical Profile
- 2018 Statistical Profile
- 2017 Statistical Profile
- 2016 Statistical Profile
- 2015 Statistical Profile
- 2014 Statistical Profile
- 2014 Statistical Profile
- 2013 Statistical Profile
- 2012 Statistical Profile
- 2011 Statistical Profile
- 2010 Statistical Profile