Westerly CDP, RI: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Westerly CDP: The Data Profile (2026)

Westerly CDP represents a specific niche in the 2026 post-remote economy: a coastal enclave with a distinct income premium over the national average, offset by significant sector-specific inflation. The population stands at 18,528, classifying it as a tight-knit community rather than a sprawling metro. The median income is $82,333, which is +10.4% higher than the US median of $74,580. This income advantage is bolstered by an educated workforce; 38.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, exceeding the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Coastal Professional." These are individuals or families earning above the national median who prioritize geographic location and quality of life over immediate urban density, leveraging remote or hybrid work arrangements to absorb localized costs.

Cost of Living Analysis

While general goods are moderately priced, the "coastal premium" on services and utilities is the primary financial shock for new residents. Electricity costs are a critical outlier, sitting at $0.2865 per kWh, a staggering +79.1% increase over the US average of $0.1600.

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner making the median income of $82,333, monthly take-home pay is approximately $4,900 (assuming standard deductions). With a monthly budget for a single person (excluding rent) averaging $1,100, the disposable income remaining for housing or savings is roughly $3,800. However, for a family of four, the dynamic shifts drastically. With estimated monthly expenses (excluding rent) of $2,600, the disposable income drops to $2,300, making the high healthcare and restaurant indices significant burdens on the budget.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Westerly is currently favoring buyers over renters relative to the national curve. While home prices are near parity, the rental market is surprisingly expensive, suggesting a shortage of multi-family inventory.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The data indicates a clear "Buy" signal for those with capital. The $395,000 median home price is $15,000 cheaper than the national average. Conversely, the $2,650 rent for a 3-bedroom home is $450 more expensive than the average monthly mortgage payment on a median home. This 20.5% rental premium suggests that landlords are passing high carrying costs onto tenants, likely driven by insurance premiums in a coastal zone.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Westerly's economy is stable but heavily reliant on the tourism and service sectors, which creates a bifurcated job market. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, slightly higher than the 4.0% national average, reflecting the seasonal nature of coastal employment.

RTO & Commute:
In 2026, Westerly is not a commuter hub for Providence or New York; it is a destination. The average commute time for those working locally is 22 minutes. However, for the 38.0% of the workforce commuting to Providence or Stamford, the "reverse commute" is manageable compared to inbound traffic, averaging 45-55 minutes. The shift to hybrid work has insulated the local economy from RTO mandates that plague major metros, stabilizing the housing market.

Quality of Life Audit

Westerly offers a high quality of life regarding health risks, though air quality can fluctuate. The health score of 83.3/100 is robust, driven by lower-than-average risk factors.

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 220 per 100k residents (National Average: 380 per 100k). Westerly is 42% safer than the average US town.
• Property Crime: 1,850 per 100k residents (National Average: 1,950 per 100k).
• Air Quality: With an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 7.8 µg/m³, the air is cleaner than the US average, though humidity and coastal fog can trap particulate matter briefly during summer months.
• Schools: The student-teacher ratio is 12:1, superior to the national average of 16:1.
• Weather: Current conditions show a temperature of 46.0°F. Winters are milder than inland RI, with average snowfall of 35 inches, while summers average 78°F.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Median income of $82,333 is $7,753 higher than the US average.
• Housing Value: Home prices are 3.7% cheaper than the national median.
• Health Profile: Smoking rates are low at 11.2%, and the general health score is 83.3.
• Safety: Violent crime is 42% lower than the national average.

Cons:

• Service Inflation: Healthcare and dining costs are 47.9% above the average.
• Energy Costs: Electricity at $0.2865/kWh is a major recurring liability.
• Rental Trap: Renting is financially inefficient, with 3BR rents 20.5% above the US average.

Recommendation:
Westerly is a Strong Buy for homeowners with a household income exceeding $90,000 who utilize local healthcare plans. It is a Caution for renters and those with high medical needs requiring out-of-network care. The data suggests that the "coastal tax" is real but manageable if you own property and control energy consumption.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Westerly CDP?
For a single person, a salary of $70,000 is sufficient if renting a modest apartment. For a family, due to the +47.9% healthcare and restaurant premiums, a household income of $115,000 is recommended to maintain a savings rate comparable to the national average.

2. How does Westerly compare to other coastal RI cities?
Westerly offers better value than Newport or Narragansett. While those cities have median home prices exceeding $600,000, Westerly's median sits at $395,000, offering a 35%+ entry-point discount while retaining similar beach access.

3. Are the crime statistics reliable for 2026?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 220 per 100k is historically stable for the region. The data indicates a 42% reduction in risk compared to the national average, making it a statistically safe environment.

4. Is the high electricity cost a dealbreaker?
It is a significant factor. At $0.2865/kWh, budgeting an extra $150-$200 per month over the national average is necessary. However, this is offset by the -3.0% variance in transportation and grocery costs.