Westerly, RI
Population 18,528 · Rhode Island
About Westerly, RI
Westerly is a mid-sized city located in Rhode Island with a population of 18,528 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,333 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Westerly features a median home value of $400,200, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. This places Westerly in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,243, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,299 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (6,148 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (2,395 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Westerly shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Westerly have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.0% of Westerly residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Westerly Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Westerly, RI
Compared to national averages, Westerly has a median household income of $82,333 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $400,200, which is 63% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,243 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Westerly's income is 11% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 15% below the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Westerly, RI?
Westerly offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,333, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 38.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $400,200. However, Westerly’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Westerly has a population of 18,528 with a median age of 53.5 years. Compare Westerly with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Westerly
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Falls | 22,481 | $45,921 | $300,500 | Compare |
| Valley Falls | 12,370 | $93,653 | $347,900 | Compare |
| Newport | 25,029 | $83,562 | $669,500 | Compare |
| Newport East | 11,262 | $86,310 | $479,200 | Compare |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale | 9,812 | $111,200 | $464,400 | Compare |
| Cumberland Hill | 8,638 | $131,006 | $362,700 | Compare |
| Greenville | 8,586 | $94,567 | $390,900 | Compare |
| Tiverton | 8,151 | $91,493 | $357,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Rhode Island
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Westerly With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Westerly
What is the population of Westerly, RI?
The population of Westerly, RI is 18,528 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Rhode Island.
What is the median household income in Westerly?
The median household income in Westerly, RI is $82,333 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Westerly?
The median home value in Westerly, RI is $400,200, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Westerly?
The median monthly rent in Westerly, RI is $1,243, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Westerly?
The unemployment rate in Westerly, RI is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Westerly, RI a good place to live?
Westerly offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,528 and a median age of 53.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Westerly, RI?
38.0% of residents in Westerly aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Westerly?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Westerly, RI: median home value is $400,200 (63% above national), median rent is $1,243/month, and median household income is $82,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Westerly?
The poverty rate in Westerly, RI is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Westerly, RI?
Westerly's population is 1.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.