Westerly CDP, Rhode Island Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Westerly CDP is a small city located in Rhode Island. The total population is 18,528. It ranks as the 9th most populous out of 36 cities and towns in Rhode Island.

Age Demographics

The median age in Westerly CDP is 53.5 years. This is 32% higher than the state median of 40.5 years. Only 12.1% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 12.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Westerly CDP is $82,333. This is 5% lower than the state median of $86,372. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 5% higher. The poverty rate stands at 6.0%. This is 45% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $400,200. Housing costs are 9% higher than the state median of $368,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 63.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

Westerly CDP has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.2%. The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 5.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.2%) is well below the state average of 17.1%.

Education

38.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 2% higher than the state rate of 37.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.1%. Notably, 16.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Westerly CDP, Rhode Island is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Rhode Island state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 36 Census-designated places in Rhode Island. For official data, visit data.census.gov.