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City Report · VA

Newport News

Pop. 184,216·70th most expensive in Virginia·Newport News rents are up 5.7% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,577/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.7%
Month-over-Month
-1.0%
vs US Median
-$374
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Newport News · $1,577
More affordable than 71% of US cities · National median $1,951/mo
Rent Reality Score
51/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Newport News's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,577/mo
Expected by trend
$1,583/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Newport News's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,328
1 BR
$1,337
2 BR
$1,530
3 BR
$2,128
4 BR+
$2,542
Research median
$1,530/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: June 22, 2026

Annual cost
$18,924/yr
At $1,577/mo median
Market timing
Rents falling
Good time to negotiate or lock in a lease.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Newport News, VA is roughly split between renters and owners, 30.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
184,216
Median income
$69,634
Median age
34.4
Renters
51.8%
Age distribution
23.2%
27.9%
23.3%
14.1%
Under 1823.2%
18–3427.9%
35–5423.3%
55–6411.6%
65+14.1%
Gender
48.5%
51.5%
Male48.5%
Female51.5%
Race & ethnicity
41%
41.2%
White41%
Black41.2%
Hispanic10.8%
Asian3.3%
Other3.7%
Education (25+)
29.9%
31.5%
30.6%
No HS diploma8%
HS diploma29.9%
Some college31.5%
Bachelor's+30.6%
Housing tenure
48.2%
51.8%
Owner48.2%
Renter51.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Newport News, VA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,141 → $1,577
up 38.2%
Income
$57,463 → $69,634
up 21.2%
Population
185,069 → 184,216
down 0.5%
Renter share
52.5% → 51.8%
-0.7 pts
Bachelor's+
28.1% → 30.6%
+2.5 pts
Median age
33.9 → 34.4
+0.5 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Newport News, VA has shifted from $1,141 to $1,577, up 38.2% since 2021. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $57,463 in 2021 to $69,634 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 28.1% to 30.6% across the same window. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Newport News, VA market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Newport News

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View Newport News rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Newport News on your salary?

At $1,577/mo, how Newport News rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Newport News rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Newport News. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Newport News

About renting in Newport News, VA

Last updated: June 22, 2026

The median rent in Newport News is $1,577/mo as of June 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,328/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,530/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,337/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,128/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($69,634/yr), Newport News ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Newport News an affordable city for renters?

Newport News is considered affordable for renters. At $1,577/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($69,634/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Newport News falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Newport News?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $63,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,577/mo in Newport News. The local median household income is $69,634/yr, meaning the typical Newport News household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Newport News?

Rent in Newport News has increased 5.7% over the past year as of June 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Newport News neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Newport News are 23601 ($1,433/mo), 23605 ($1,533/mo), and 23607 ($1,541/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Newport News is $1,577/mo.

How does Newport News rent compare to other cities in Virginia?

Newport News is one of the more affordable cities in Virginia for rent, ranking #70 out of 85 tracked cities at $1,577/mo.

What percentage of Newport News residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 51.8% of Newport News households are renters, while 48.2% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Newport News has a strong rental market.

How does Newport News rent compare to the national average?

Newport News's median rent of $1,577/mo is $374 (19%) below the US national median of $1,951/mo. Within Virginia, it ranks #70 out of 85 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,577/mo, rent takes ~27% of Newport News's median household income ($69,634/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Newport News 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Newport News affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Newport News
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Newport News, VA

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