City of Newport News, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Newport News is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 183,230, down 1.6% since 2020. It covers about 69 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1881 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 183,230 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 186,030 |
| Change 2020–2025 | -1.5% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 11 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Newport News is one of Virginia's 38 independent cities. In Virginia, an independent city is not part of any county; it runs its own local government, courts and schools.[1] Its founding date is recorded as 1881.[2]
Population of Newport News
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Newport News at 183,230 in July 2025, down 1.6% from the April 2020 base of 186,235.[1] That made it 11th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 107th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 12,951 births and 9,545 deaths, a natural increase of 3,406.[1] More people moved away to other parts of the United States than moved in. Net domestic migration was -9,381. Moves from abroad added 3,009.[1]
Geography
The City of Newport News covers 69.0 square miles of land and 50.6 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 98th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 2,656 people per square mile in 2025, so it is one of the more densely settled places in the state. Its geographic center lies near 37.08° N, 76.52° W.[3]
The city borders the City of Hampton, Isle of Wight County, James City County, the City of Portsmouth, the City of Suffolk, Surry County and York County.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 13 named streams, 12 lakes and reservoirs and 4 islands in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Newport News in a county?
No. Newport News is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Newport News?
About 183,230 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Newport News?
About 69 square miles of land, plus 50.6 square miles of water.
References
- [1] U.S. Census Bureau, County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2025 (Vintage 2025) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] Wikidata, Newport News city, Virginia (open data, CC0) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer Files: Counties – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] U.S. Census Bureau, County Adjacency File (2024) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [5] U.S. Geological Survey, Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Domestic Names – last checked 11/08/2026
Official website: www.nnva.gov
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.