Rhode IslandPop. 18,411Towns
Is Westerly a Good Place to Live? Westerly, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Westerly ranks #55 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (26 per 100,000, #3 of 146) and low poverty (5.7%, #41 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($448,800, #199 of 231).
Westerly by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Westerly's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Westerly?
Westerly's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,260/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $638,610, 25% above the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
| Measure | Westerly | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 102.3 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $638,610#973 of 1,187 | $511,233 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,097/mo#759 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $448,800#885 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,260/mo#494 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.9%#94 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Westerly housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Westerly is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Rhode Island housing market →Is Westerly safe?
Westerly recorded 26 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 92% below the US rate of 328 and 82% below Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #5 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Westerly Police Department. Property crime runs 598 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Westerly | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 26#5 of 1,085 | 144 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 598#50 of 1,085 | 911 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Westerly?
The median household in Westerly earns $95,207, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Westerly | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $95,207#408 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 5.7%#152 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Westerly?
The median resident of Westerly is 50.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 43.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #380 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Westerly | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 50.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 43.3%#380 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 71.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Westerly's schools and health?
Westerly's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 10.3 students per teacher and $25,879 spent per pupil. 28.4% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Westerly | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 83.3% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 10.3#13 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $25,879#49 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 28.4%#287 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 5.6%#117 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,173 students are enrolled in Westerly's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Westerly?
The average commute in Westerly is 22.9 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 0.6% of workers take transit and 10.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Westerly scores 9.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.1°F and winters 34.3°F, with 42.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Westerly | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.9%#825 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 80.6% | 71.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 2.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.8% | 3.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 10.4% | 11.6% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.7#723 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.5 | 24.5 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 41.2 | 25.7 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 47.2 | 32 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 57.1 | 40.7 | 3.9 |
| May | 66.6 | 50 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 75 | 59.4 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 81.6 | 65.9 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 80.5 | 64.3 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 57.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 63.9 | 46.5 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 54 | 37.8 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 44.9 | 30.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Westerly State Airport.
| Measure | Westerly | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 71.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 34.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 42.8 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Westerly State Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Westerly?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Westerly | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#194 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.007% | 78% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0094% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0023% | 45% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 29% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0016% | 20% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Westerly compare with similar-size cities?
Westerly is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #11 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 18,411.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #55 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 | 22.9 min |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #679 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 | 12.8 min |
| Augusta, MEPop. 19,077 | #721 | 54.7 | $47,979 | $919/mo | 218 | 18.7 min |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #868 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #886 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Los Lunas, NMPop. 18,618 | #1041 | 49.2 | $62,330 | $1,110/mo | 491 | 25.8 min |
| Fairmont, WVPop. 18,221 | #1080 | 48.4 | $63,032 | $916/mo | 395 | 22.8 min |
| Wahiawa, HIPop. 17,996 | #905 | 51.7 | $87,143 | $1,546/mo | no data | 31.7 min |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #438 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data | 33 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Westerly compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Westerly ranks #1 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 70.6 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 14% above the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 82% below the statewide rate. Homes are 25% above the typical Rhode Island home.
| City | Rank in RI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #1 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #2 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data |
| Warwick, RIPop. 83,175 | #3 | 66.5 | $88,708 | $1,363/mo | 87 |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #4 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #5 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #6 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #7 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #8 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #9 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #10 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #11 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #12 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Melville, RIPop. 1,631 | #13 | 58.2 | $102,266 | $2,724/mo | no data |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #14 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Hope Valley, RIPop. 2,297 | #15 | 57.5 | $101,932 | — | no data |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #16 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #17 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #18 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #19 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #20 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 |
All 20 Rhode Island cities we track, by overall score. Rhode Island statewide: median income $83,504, violent crime 144.1 per 100,000.
How is Westerly's score calculated?
Westerly scores 70.6 out of 100, #55 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; growth and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Rhode Island's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 17% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Westerly. Similar-size median 41.9.
62.6 - SafetyCity data · 14% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Westerly's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
99.3 - HealthCity data · 14% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Westerly. Similar-size median 56.5.
69.8 - EducationCity data · 14% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Westerly's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
87.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Westerly's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
62.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Westerly. Similar-size median 50.8.
71.2 - TransportationCity data · 8% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Westerly. Similar-size median 48.3.
43.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 8% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Westerly's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
76.8 - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Westerly.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Westerly's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Westerly has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Westerly
Is Westerly, RI a good place to live?
Westerly ranks #55 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (26 per 100,000, #3 of 146) and low poverty (5.7%, #41 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($448,800, #199 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Westerly?
Westerly's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,260/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $638,610, 25% above the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
What is the crime rate in Westerly?
Westerly recorded 26 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 92% below the US rate of 328 and 82% below Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #5 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Westerly Police Department. Property crime runs 598 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Westerly?
The median household in Westerly earns $95,207, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Westerly?
Median rent in Westerly is $1,260/mo (Census), #494 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,097/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Westerly?
The typical home value in Westerly is $638,610, up 8.7% in a year, against $511,233 for Rhode Island and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $448,800.
How are the public schools in Westerly?
Westerly's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 10.3 students per teacher and $25,879 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Westerly?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 6.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Westerly?
Westerly averages 52.5°F over the year, 71.1°F in summer and 34.3°F in winter, with 42.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Westerly walkable?
Westerly scores 9.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Westerly at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Westerly?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Westerly?
Westerly has 18,411 residents. The median resident of Westerly is 50.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 43.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #380 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Westerly compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Westerly ranks #1 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 70.6 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 14% above the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 82% below the statewide rate. Homes are 25% above the typical Rhode Island home.
What cities are similar in size to Westerly?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Westerly's population of 18,411 are Sheridan, WY (#679 overall), Augusta, ME (#721 overall), Ammon, ID (#868 overall), Badger, AK (#886 overall), and Los Lunas, NM (#1041 overall). Westerly is #55.