Newport News is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the city had a total population of 182,381 making it the fifth-most populous city in Virginia.
History
The area now known as Newport News was once a part of Warwick County. Warwick County was one of the eight original shires of Virginia, formed by the House of Burgesses in 1634. The county was largely composed of farms and undeveloped land until the late 19th century.
In the late 1800s, Newport News began to grow rapidly with the building of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway through the Peninsula. In 1896, the area became an independent city and was incorporated as Newport News, Virginia. The change from county seat to independent city happened sixteen years after the incorporation of the neighboring independent city of Hampton. The new city’s growth was propelled by the establishment of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, which later became Newport News Shipbuilding.
Population
According to the 2020 Census, Newport News has a population of 182,381 residents, making it the fifth most populous city in Virginia after Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Richmond. This is a 1.8% increase from the 2010 Census population of 179,225 residents.
Newport News has seen steady population growth since its incorporation as an independent city. It has grown from a population of just over 9,000 in 1900 to its current size today. The city experienced particularly strong growth in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
The racial makeup of Newport News is 42.8% White, 40.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 7.2% from other races, and 5.5% from two or more races. 13.7% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, the economy of Newport News has been strongly tied to the U.S. military and defense industries. However, the city’s economy today has diversified beyond military and defense. According to the city government, the major industries and employers in Newport News now include:
- Shipbuilding and ship repair – Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding is the largest industrial employer in Virginia with over 25,000 workers. Newport News Shipbuilding is the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy submarines.
- Military installations – Major facilities include Fort Eustis, an Army base, and Langley Air Force Base, home of the First Fighter Wing.
- Research – The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility conducts basic research in nuclear and particle physics. The National Institute of Aerospace develops technologies for aviation and space exploration.
- Healthcare – Riverside Regional Medical Center is the largest civilian employer with over 2,500 workers.
- Education – Newport News Public Schools is the largest employer with 4,100 employees. Christopher Newport University and Hampton University also provide jobs.
- Retail – Tech Center at Oyster Point, Patrick Henry Mall, City Center at Oyster Point and Port Warwick provide a large retail base.
- Services – Major financial services and insurance firms have headquarters or offices in Newport News.
The city’s location near the Port of Virginia and major transportation routes such as Interstate 64 and railroads give it strategic advantages for distribution and logistics companies. Recent economic development efforts have focused on attracting technology companies involved in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics and modeling and simulation.
Attractions and Landmarks
Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Newport News include:
- Mariners’ Museum and Park – One of the largest maritime museums in the world. Home to over 30,000 artifacts and 500 historic small craft.
- Yorktown Battlefield – Scene of the decisive battle that ended the American Revolutionary War in 1781. Part of Colonial National Historical Park.
- Virginia Air and Space Science Center – Interactive science museum with an IMAX theater. Next door to the NASA Langley Research Center.
- Newport News Park – Large 8,000+ acre municipal park with camping, boating, fishing, biking trails, and more.
- Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center – Museum focused on African American history and culture in Newport News.
- Endview Plantation – 18th century plantation museum depicting colonial Virgina farm life.
Sports
Newport News is home to a few professional sports teams and college athletic programs. Teams include:
- Norfolk Tides – A Minor League Baseball team that plays at Harbor Park in Norfolk. The Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
- Hampton University Pirates – Hampton University’s NCAA Division I sports teams compete in the Big South Conference. Sports include football, basketball, track and field and more.
- Christopher Newport University Captains – CNU’s NCAA Division III teams are part of the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference. Sports include basketball, sailing, lacrosse and others.
Government
Newport News uses the council-manager form of municipal government. The city is governed by the seven-member Newport News City Council, headed by the Mayor, first elected by the city voters in 2008. The City Manager serves as the city’s chief administrative officer. The current mayor is McKinley L. Price, who has served since 2010.
The City of Newport News provides a wide range of services to its residents including public safety, public works, libraries, parks and recreation, economic development, planning and codes compliance, records management and more.