Newport News city
Virginia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Newport News city is unusual in three ways: homeownership is among the lowest in America (48%), home internet speed is in the top 7% of American counties (291 Mbps), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 10% of American counties (90 of 100). Within Virginia it ranks 12th of 133 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Newport News city, Virginia. 185,118 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -1,977).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $63,355 a year, higher than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $67,936. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 59% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Virginia takes 5.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,385 a year.

Home

The median home costs $294K, pricier than 68% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,169 a month. Property tax is 1.06% of home value, roughly $2,464 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 48% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 24 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.6 years, shorter than 63% of American counties. There are 473 active physicians in the county, about 25.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 8.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.93 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 59% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 32 points. 61% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 70 and lows near 51, warmer than 69% of American counties. About 49 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 90 out of 100, riskier than 90% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 291 Mbps down, faster than 93% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.