Westerly, Rhode Island Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Westerly, Rhode Island had a total population of 18,411, the 9th largest community in Rhode Island, with a median household income of $95,207, which is 8% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Westerly Quick Facts
How Westerly Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,528 | 18,411 | -0.6% |
| Median household income | $82,333 | $95,207 | +15.6% |
| Median home value | $400,200 | $448,800 | +12.1% |
How Westerly Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 50 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Westerly Rankings in Rhode Island
Explore Rhode Island Rankings
Other Cities in Washington County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wakefield-Peace Dale | 9,302 | $106,551 | 9.5% | $494,400 |
| Kingston | 7,332 | $107,404 | 1.8% | $553,400 |
| Narragansett Pier | 3,167 | $82,192 | 13.6% | $851,300 |
| Hope Valley | 2,297 | $101,932 | 9.2% | $447,500 |
| Ashaway | 1,722 | $103,707 | 1.4% | $343,600 |
| Bradford | 1,511 | $120,250 | 2.3% | $418,100 |
| Charlestown | 1,499 | $108,563 | 4.2% | $583,200 |
| Carolina | 1,048 | $140,196 | 5.6% | $396,400 |
| Quonochontaug | 610 | $86,071 | 5.3% | $1,043,900 |
| Weekapaug | 541 | $137,917 | 5.7% | $1,252,700 |
Cities Similar to Westerly
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 24,874 | $86,313 | $746,900 | 57.9% | 16.5% |
| Valley Falls | 12,657 | $92,901 | $375,200 | 29.1% | 4.1% |
| Central Falls | 22,701 | $49,285 | $352,100 | 10.8% | 24.6% |
| Newport East | 11,069 | $89,028 | $485,400 | 42.3% | 11.7% |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale | 9,302 | $106,551 | $494,400 | 59.6% | 9.5% |
Population Overview
Westerly is a small city located in Rhode Island, within Washington County. The total population is 18,411. It ranks as the 9th most populous out of 36 Census-designated places in Rhode Island.
Age Demographics
The median age in Westerly is 50.4 years. This is 24% higher than the state median of 40.6 years. Only 14.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 11.2% 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 is $95,207. This is 8% higher than the state median of $87,796. It is also 18% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%. This is 49% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. This is 49% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $448,800. Housing costs are 11% higher than the state median of $404,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x. 71.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 63.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Westerly has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.3%. The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 4.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.3%) is well below the state average of 17.7%.
Education
43.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 37.7%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.6%. Notably, 18.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Westerly, Rhode Island is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Westerly, Rhode Island?
Westerly, Rhode Island has a population of 18,411 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Westerly, RI?
The median household income in Westerly is $95,207, which is 18% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Westerly, RI?
The poverty rate in Westerly is 5.7%. This means approximately 1,039 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Westerly, Rhode Island?
Westerly's population is 88.2% White, 0.6% Black, 3.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Westerly, RI?
The median home value in Westerly is $448,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
How educated is Westerly, Rhode Island?
43.3% of adults (25+) in Westerly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.