Newport, Oregon, United States

🇺🇸 Newport is a city in Lincoln County, Oregon, United States. It was incorporated in 1882, though the name dates back to the establishment of a post office in 1868. Newport was named for Newport, Rhode Island.

The area was originally home to the Yacona tribe, whose history can be traced back at least 3000 years. White settlers began homesteading the area in 1864. The town was named by Sam Case, who also became the first postmaster.

Newport has been the county seat of Lincoln County since 1952, when voters approved a measure to move the centre of government from nearby Toledo to Newport. It is also home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Nye Beach, Yaquina Head Light, Yaquina Bay Light, Pacific Maritime Heritage Center and Rogue Ales, and is notable as the western terminus of U.S. Route 20, the longest road in the United States.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.59 square miles (27.43 km²), of which 9.05 square miles (23.44 km²) is land and 1.54 square miles (3.99 km²) is water.

Demographics As of the 2020 census, there were 10,256 people, and 4,559 households in the city. The population density was about 1,028 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 80.9% White, 1.0% African American, 1.8% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, and 5.8% two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.8% of the population.

There were 4,559 households, and the average household size was 2.2 persons.

Around 16.6% of people living in Newport were under 18, with a further 4.1% of people under 5. 27.6% of the population were older than 65. The gender makeup for Newport was 51.9% female and 48.9% male.

The median household income was $52,897, and the per capita income was $30,060. 14.1% of the population were in poverty.

Economy In August 2011, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration moved its base for research ships from Seattle to Newport. The base boasts about 110 marine officers and a total of 175 employees. It bases four ships, including the NOAAS Bell M. Shimada and the NOAAS Rainier, and it provides support for up to two itinerant vessels. NOAA has personnel at the Hatfield Marine Science Center which support the fisheries science centres for Alaska and the Northwest. The ships join the R/V Oceanus and R/V Elakha research vessels based at the center.

Newport is home to the largest fishing fleet on the Oregon Coast.

Education Lincoln County voters established Oregon Coast Community College in 1987, in which year the college held its first classes. The public schools in Newport are part of the Lincoln County School District, and include Newport High School, Newport Preparatory Academy, Newport Intermediate School, and Sam Case Primary School.

Newport is also home to the Hatfield Marine Science Center, operated by Oregon State University in collaboration with state and federal agencies. The centre conducts research and educational programs associated with the marine environment and serves as a primary field station for the university's College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.

Government Newport is a charter city (also called a home rule city) and has a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of a Mayor who chairs the meetings, and 6 councilors. The mayor and city council served staggered terms, between two and four years.

Media: Radio Newport has several locally based stations: • KPPT 100.7FM (Classic Hits) • KNPT 1310AM (News/Talk) • KYOR 88.9FM (Religious) • K210CW/KLOV 89.9FM (Christian Contemporary) • KLCO 90.5FM (Public Radio/Lane Community College) • K217FZ/KWAX 91.3FM (Classical) • KNCU 92.7FM (Country) • K239BO/KRLZ 93.7FM (Hot AC) • KWPB/LPFM 98.7FM (Religious) • K295BJ/KOGL 106.9FM (Public Radio).

Media: Print The News-Times is published twice a week, and daily on newportnewstimes.com.