Newport News VA vs North Charleston SC — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026

Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)

Newport News, VA

Virginia · Population: 184,774

  • Median HH Income$66,718
  • Median Home Price$294,407
  • Unemployment5.9%
  • Bachelor's+29.1%

North Charleston, SC

South Carolina · Population: 117,460

  • Median HH Income$62,789
  • Median Home Price$313,219
  • Unemployment4.3%
  • Bachelor's+28.0%

Detailed Comparison

Demographics

Population
Newport News
184,774
Newport News +
North Charleston
117,460
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Newport News
N/A
North Charleston
N/A
Median Age
Newport News
34.2
Newport News +
North Charleston
34.3
Foreign Born
Newport News
8.1%
North Charleston
12.2%
North Charleston +
White
Newport News
42.3%
Newport News +
North Charleston
39.1%
Black
Newport News
41.0%
North Charleston
42.2%
North Charleston +
Asian
Newport News
3.3%
North Charleston
3.5%
North Charleston +
Hispanic
Newport News
10.5%
North Charleston
12.8%
North Charleston +
Spanish at Home
Newport News
N/A
North Charleston
N/A

Economy

Median HH Income
Newport News
$66,718
Newport News +
North Charleston
$62,789
Per Capita Income
Newport News
$37,475
Newport News +
North Charleston
$35,740
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Newport News
$69,581
Newport News +
North Charleston
$54,550
Unemployment Rate
Newport News
5.9%
North Charleston
4.3%
North Charleston +
Poverty Rate
Newport News
15.1%
Newport News +
North Charleston
15.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
Newport News
29.1%
Newport News +
North Charleston
28.0%

Housing

Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Newport News
$294,407
Newport News +
North Charleston
$313,219
Homeownership Rate
Newport News
48.1%
North Charleston
48.5%
North Charleston +

Safety

Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Newport News
240
Newport News +
North Charleston
398
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Newport News
1726
Newport News +
North Charleston
1999

Health

Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Newport News
40.7%
North Charleston
35.2%
North Charleston +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Newport News
13.5%
North Charleston
13.2%
North Charleston +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Newport News
18.4%
North Charleston
17.5%
North Charleston +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Newport News
10.5%
Newport News +
North Charleston
15.3%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Newport News
13.6%
Newport News +
North Charleston
19.8%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Newport News
14.4%
North Charleston
14.3%
North Charleston +

Climate

Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Newport News
60.6°F
North Charleston
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Newport News
45.4 in
North Charleston
N/A

Air Quality

PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Newport News
8.2 µg/m³
Newport News +
North Charleston
8.6 µg/m³
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Newport News
75.0%
North Charleston
75.0%
Tie

Commute

Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Newport News
25.2 min
Newport News +
North Charleston
26.8 min

Which City is Right for You?

Newport News leads in median household income at $66,718, while newport News offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $294,407. On public safety, Newport News is safer with a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 residents, compared to 398 in North Charleston. North Charleston has a lower unemployment rate at 4.3%, and Newport News has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.2 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, North Charleston scores better with a lower obesity rate of 35.2%.

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About Newport News & North Charleston