Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Westerly, RI
Considering a move to Westerly, RI? This welcoming coastal town of 17,000 offers a relaxed pace, with median home prices around $394,000 and 2-bedroom rents near $1,350. Westerly boasts low violent crime (91 per 100K), an easy 22-minute average commute, and strong public schools. Residents enjoy mild summers, over 56% sunny days, and access to quality healthcare at Westerly Hospital. Its scenic charm, good education options, and relatively affordable coastal living make it a standout in Rhode Island.
Demographics - Westerly, RI
Demographics - Westerly, RI
Westerly, RI is a coastal community of about 17,000 residents, with a median age of 47.2, reflecting a balanced mix of families and retirees. The town is predominantly White (over 90%), with a modest presence of other ethnic groups and 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and near-equal gender ratio contribute to a close-knit small-town feel.
Population:
17,000
Density:
720 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.4%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Westerly, RI?
Westerly’s cost of living is somewhat above the national average, with a cost of living index of 110.4. Median home values stand at $394,000 and typical rents are about $1,350 for a two-bedroom, making it relatively affordable for a New England coastal town. Utilities and groceries are slightly higher than the U.S. average, but state taxes remain moderate.
Median House Value:
$394,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,560
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
3.75%
|
High:
5.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.4
Grocery:
106.1
Housing:
113.7
Utilities:
118.0
Transportation:
104.8
Health Care:
109.3
Miscellaneous:
103.2
Crime
Is Westerly, RI a safe place to live?
Westerly is considered a safe place to live, with violent crime rates of just 91 per 100,000 people and a low chance of violent crime—about 1 in 1,098. Property crime is more common, but still moderate for the region, with a 1 in 90 chance. Overall, residents enjoy a strong sense of security and community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
91
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,201
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,098
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Westerly, RI year-round?
Westerly experiences all four seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 82°F and winters that rarely dip below 25°F. The area receives around 48 inches of rainfall yearly and boasts 56% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures perfect for enjoying the coastal scenery.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Westerly’s neighborhoods are made up of households with a median income of $76,900 and a poverty rate below 8%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just over 22 minutes. The community is mainly owner-occupied, with a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere.
Median Income:
$40,500
Household Income:
$76,900
Family Income:
$92,750
Per Capita Income:
$39,800
Income Male:
$51,200
Income Female:
$41,100
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
22.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.0%
Bachelors or More:
34.2%
Education
How are the schools in Westerly, RI?
Westerly offers a strong public school system, including Westerly High School and State Street School, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is available at St. Pius X School, and higher education is nearby with the University of Rhode Island just 18 miles away. The town’s educational environment supports both young families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Westerly High School
Street:
23 Ward Ave
Phone:
401-596-2109
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Name:
State Street School
Street:
35 State St
Phone:
401-348-2340
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Pius X School
Street:
32 Elm St
Phone:
401-596-5735
Students:
215
Colleges
Name:
University of Rhode Island
City:
Kingston
State:
RI
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
17,649
Healthcare
Residents benefit from accessible healthcare, highlighted by Westerly Hospital offering full emergency services in town. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and more than 95% of residents insured, quality care is readily available. The local healthcare index is strong, ensuring peace of mind for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Westerly Hospital
Address:
25 Wells St, Westerly, RI 02891
Phone:
(401) 596-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Westerly, RI?
Westerly’s housing market features a median home price of $394,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 69%, reflecting stability and demand. Rents are reasonable for a coastal area at $1,350 for a two-bedroom, and the recent appreciation rate of 5.1% suggests a healthy, growing market. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$394,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Westerly residents are served by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Cranston. Services including licensing and registration are easily accessible both in person and online. The DMV provides comprehensive information and assistance via its website and customer support line.
State:
Rhode Island
Department:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone:
1-401-462-4368
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.