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

  1. Population
  2. Education
  3. Income
  4. Families
  5. Housing
  6. Employment
  7. Getting Around

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.