Newport Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, California, well-known for its beaches, surfing, and sailing. As of the 2020 census, Newport Beach has a population of 86,647 residents, making it one of the largest cities in Orange County.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Newport Beach, the racial makeup of Newport Beach is predominantly white, with nearly 80% of residents identifying as white. The next largest racial group is Asian, comprising about 9% of the population. Newport Beach also has a sizable Hispanic population at around 6%.
The median age in Newport Beach is 45.8 years old. Over a quarter of households have children under 18 years old. Around 63% of households are married couples living together. Newport Beach has a higher median household income and home value compared to the surrounding county and state averages.
As a coastal Orange County city, Newport Beach is a popular place to live, work, and vacation. The desirable beach lifestyle and spectacular ocean views contribute to consistently high housing prices and cost of living.
Economy and Major Employers
According to the City of Newport Beach’s economic development information, the city has a strong and diverse economy. Many corporate headquarters and regional offices are located within Newport Beach.
Some of the major employers in Newport Beach include:
- Pacific Life Insurance Company
- Jazz Semiconductor
- Acacia Research Corporation
- Corinthian Colleges
- Glidewell Laboratories
Healthcare, financial services, information technology, retail, and tourism are important industries in the city. The concentration of high-net worth individuals also provides business opportunities in wealth management, legal, accounting, and real estate services.
Newport Beach is home to Fashion Island, one of the highest grossing shopping centers in the U.S. Retail and dining help drive the economy. Newport Beach’s beaches, harbors, and cultural offerings also attract millions of visitors each year, supporting a thriving hospitality industry.
Attractions and Landmarks
Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Newport Beach include:
- Newport Beach and its famous beaches – Over 10 miles of sandy beaches with opportunities for surfing, swimming, sailing, fishing, and other recreational activities.
- Balboa Peninsula – A waterfront neighborhood home to the Newport Pier, Balboa Pavilion, shops, restaurants, and more.
- Balboa Island – A harbor island community known for its picturesque bayfront homes and shops.
- Crystal Cove State Park – Over 3 miles of protected beach coastline with tidepools, hiking trails, and historic cottages.
- Fashion Island – An upscale coastal shopping center with department stores, boutiques, dining, and amenities.
- Orange County Museum of Art – Located in Newport Beach, the museum has a collection of modern and contemporary California art.
Outdoor recreation like boating, fishing, surfing, and cycling are popular pastimes with both locals and visitors. Newport Beach offers many cultural events and attractions in addition to its natural scenic beauty.
Sports
Although Newport Beach does not have any major professional sports teams, sports are still a big part of the city’s culture. Many residents and visitors enjoy recreation like surfing, boating, golf, cycling, and running along Newport’s coastline.
Newport Beach is home to the Newport Harbor Golf Course, a municipal 18-hole course with scenic views. The city also has public tennis centers and youth sports leagues for soccer, baseball, and more through the Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services department.
The Newport Beach Lifeguards are an open water competitive swim team that competes throughout Southern California. Surfing is also a popular sport among Newport Beach residents, with surf breaks like The Wedge, Blackies, and 56th Street attracting localized competitions.
Although not located directly in the city, Newport Beach is situated near major sports teams like the Anaheim Ducks (NHL), Los Angeles Angels (MLB), and Anaheim Football Club (MLS) that locals often support.
Local Government
Newport Beach is a charter city governed by a seven-member City Council, with the mayor serving as the head. The current mayor of Newport Beach is Kevin Muldoon, and council members are Noah Blom, Diane Dixon, Duffy Duffield, Will O’Neill, Brad Avery, and Joy Brenner.
The City Council appoints advisory committees to provide input on topics like aviation, environmental quality, finance, and more. Residents can find information on the city government structure, services, projects, and meetings on the City of Newport Beach’s website.
Conclusion
With its prime coastal location, vibrant economy, high quality of life, and abundance of recreational activities, it’s easy to see why Newport Beach is such a desirable place to live and visit. This overview covers key facts and information on Newport Beach’s demographics, attractions, government, and local culture.