| Statistic | Westerly | Rhode Island | National |
| Population | 17,842 | 1,059,361 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,127 | 1,021 | 91 |
| Median age | 48.8 | 39.9 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.0:1 | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 57% | 52% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 34% | 42% | 43% |
| Speak English | 93% | 78% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 12% | 13% |
Westerly demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Westerly population is 17,842 and has a population density of 1,127 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 48.8, 57% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 34% have kids under the age of 18. In Westerly, 13% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 26% of households report a median income above $150,000.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in Westerly are 91.3% White, 2% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, 0.1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 3.1% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 92.7% of households reported speaking English only, while 1.4% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 6.7% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The Westerly racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.
Communities such as Westerly, with population densities higher than the average, play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability by decreasing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Their compact urban development encourages the adoption of energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling, and public transportation, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, densely populated areas tend to cultivate vibrant social and cultural scenes, fueled by a diverse population that contributes to a myriad of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity sparks creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. Westerly has a population density of 1,127, surpassing the national average of 91 people per square mile, as it stands poised to reap the benefits of dense urban living.
Healthcare Planning: The examination of Westerly demographics can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. By comprehending demographic trends, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. Through the utilization of demographic statistics, healthcare providers and policymakers aim to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Education Allocation: Utilizing census data like Westerly demographics can be useful in guiding education planning, as it helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources and devising effective educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among various demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. In essence, Westerly demographic statistics can play an indispensable role in education by promoting equity, bolstering student success and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.
Urban Development: By leveraging demographic data in Westerly, urban planners can tailor areas to meet the needs of any resident across housing, transportation and public services, all while fostering sustainability and elevating quality of life. Demographic changes can fuel gentrification and neighborhood transformation, whether in urban or rural settings. As neighborhoods attract newcomers with varying income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing established residents and reshaping the neighborhood's fabric. A nuanced understanding of population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is pivotal for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Utilizing the demographic data in planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks and promote inclusive communities.
| Race | Westerly | Rhode Island | National |
| White | 91.34% | 80.99% | 73.35% |
| Black | 2.01% | 6.53% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 2.54% | 3.28% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.07% | 0.49% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.60% | 2.85% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 2.44% | 5.81% | 4.75% |
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